P-Noy tells world: What is ours is ours

MANILA, Philippines - With tensions escalating over maritime claims, President Aquino yesterday vowed that the country would repel any threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“In the agenda of our good governance, our message to the world is clear: what is ours is ours, and we will repel any and all attempts to claim what is ours, and defend ourselves against any form of aggression, especially within our backyard,” Aquino said at the 115th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy at Fort San Felipe in Cavite.

He challenged the Navy to rise to the challenges of the times not only in fulfilling its mandate as guardian of the seas, but also as protector of the sovereignty of the Philippines.

“The challenge to protect our sovereignty and integrity as a nation has been continuing. There remain the internal and external threats, and the risks brought by calamities that endanger the lives and livelihood of our countrymen,” the President said.

Aquino said he expected the Navy to defend the country’s territory and uphold its sovereignty against all enemies, whether foreign or domestic.

“We want the Filipino to feel secure and safe, wherever he may be in any part of the world. That is why we expect security forces to curb illegal smuggling transactions, illegal drugs and trafficking-in-persons,” Aquino said.

He expressed confidence that the Navy can better perform its duties with the signing of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, which extends the program for another 15 years.

Awarding ceremony

The President led the awarding ceremony for those who contributed to the Navy’s mission accomplishments during yesterday’s anniversary celebration.

Among the recipients were US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. and Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.

The event had for its theme “Navy: An Adventure of Honorable Service to our Maritime Nation.”

The President was accorded military honors upon his arrival at the Commodore Posadas Wharf Headquarters in Fort San Felipe in Cavite.

It was the first time that the Navy’s anniversary celebration was held in Fort San Felipe.

The event was highlighted by the inauguration of a museum, which was built to showcase the Navy’s rich history and culture.

Among those who attended the ceremony were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Navy flag officer in command Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, Army Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Air Force Commanding General Lauro Catalino de la Cruz, Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima, and Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena.

Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, and members of the diplomatic corps.

The Navy has conducted a series of pre-anniversary activities for this year’s founding anniversary, among them a football competition among the youth of Mindanao and advocacy biking for safe and fair elections.