President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has assured members of the Philippine Army's Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) (SFRA) of his administration's unassailable commitment to supporting them and ensuring their welfare.

Marcos said this as he witnessed the SFRA's capability demonstration during its 61st-anniversary celebration at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, on Sunday, June 25.

In his speech, the President said he was grateful for the efforts and expertise that the men and women of the SFRA, whom he called "silent professionals," have demonstrated over the past 61 years.

"Your mastery of unconventional warfare strategies becomes all the more relevant and significant in view of the complex threats that our nation now faces," he said.

"Extensively trained in unconventional warfare [and] equipped with various tools and capabilities, the members of the SFRA have proven themselves valuable in both wartime and peacetime operations," he added.

The President particularly noted the SFRA's rescue of 316 individuals from a burning passenger marine vessel bound for Jolo Port in March this year.

"You have exemplified self-sacrifice and resilience, going beyond the call of duty to safeguard communities towards the attainment of internal security and of the peace of the Republic," he said.

With this, Marcos renewed his commitment to supporting the government troops, especially by improving their capabilities and caring for their families.

"We assure you of the Administration's unassailable commitment and that of your Commander-in-Chief's support in all of your undertakings, strengthening your capabilities, and ensuring your welfare and that of your families," he said.

"We have adopted the Riverine Operations Equipment Project to further improve your capabilities in riverine operations," he added.

The Riverine Operations Equipment Project is part of the Revised AFP Modernization Program's Horizon Phase 2. It involves acquiring three types of boats that could be used for riverine operations.

A budget worth P3.7 billion was allocated for the project, which consists of three sub-projects, including the acquisition of light scout boats, assault boats, and support boats.

With the theme, ‘SFRA: Competent, Resilient and Effective Special Operations Forces (SOF),’ the occasion showcased a Military Free Fall (MFF) capability demonstration and a hostage situation scenario complete with explosives and live fire simulations.

The SOF uses the MFF technique to infiltrate behind enemy lines by jumping out of an aircraft at high altitudes and free-falling until a parachute is deployed. It requires extensive training and experience and is commonly used for high-risk missions such as reconnaissance, sabotage, and direct-action raids.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

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