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Michael Punongbayan - The Philippine Star
June 11, 2026 | 12:00am
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. signs a media partnership with Cignal on June 8 at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Signatories include Cignal chief financial officer Christopher Lizo, Cignal chief executive officer Victorio Vargas and AFP deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations Maj. Gen. Patricio Ruben Amata.
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Cignal, one of the leading satellite television providers in the country, are working together to promote Filipino patriotism through media.
Signing a partnership in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday night, the military said the move seeks to “amplify stories of military service and sacrifice.”
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Cignal chief executive officer Victorio Vargas officially forged the partnership in a ceremony followed by a special screening of Patriots, “a documentary series that brings to life the courage, patriotism and lived experiences of soldiers.”
The event also conferred the Gawad sa Kapayapaan Award on Reservist 2nd Lt. Mateo Guidicelli of the Philippine Army “in recognition of his contributions to promoting patriotism, strengthening national unity and raising public awareness of the AFP’s service and sacrifices.”
“His work has helped deepen appreciation for the men and women who defend the nation and reinforced national pride,” AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army belied claims yesterday of brewing discontent or unrest among troops because of recent issues of political divide and corruption in government, including the flood control scandal.
“As a disciplined and professional organization, the Philippine Army stands firm in our oath of service,” Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said yesterday.
“We are a non-partisan organization and will not intervene in any political activity. Our commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law is unwavering,” he said.
Nafarrete issued the statement after Sen. Panfilo Lacson revealed that he has received information of growing frustration within the military at the battalion and regional level.
“As per information, though still sketchy and raw, the level of frustration within the armed services has reached up to battalion and regional levels. They are closely monitoring the developments in the ongoing crisis at the national level brought about by numerous factors, both internal and external,” Lacson said.
Nafarrete, however, dismissed such claims of unrest in the Army as he said that “the leadership of the Philippine Army remains fully committed to the care and well-being of our soldiers.”
“Our troops are being taken care of, and mechanisms are in place to address their needs, concerns and overall welfare. The morale and welfare of our troops remain our paramount consideration,” he said.
Brawner also earlier assured the public that the military will remain non-partisan and will not let itself be involved in politics. – Pia Lee-Brago, Emmanuel Tupas
