THE Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO) has expressed support for the Department of National Defense's position on the West Philippine Sea, stressing that defending national sovereignty and adhering to the rule of law are non-negotiable duties of public officials.
In a statement dated Aug. 5, the organization said allegiance to the Constitution, obedience to the law, and the defense of Philippine sovereignty must remain paramount for all public servants.
The group said every public official is bound by an oath to "bear true faith and allegiance" to the Republic and to faithfully execute the country's laws, including Administrative Order No. 29, series of 2012, which defines the West Philippine Sea.
The AGFO, composed of retired military leaders, outlined three key principles it said should guide public officials and the public.
First, it emphasized adherence to legal obligations, saying officials who cannot support established national laws or the country's legal positions, including the recent Extended Continental Shelf filing, should seek judicial remedies or "respectfully step aside" to preserve public trust.
Second is solidarity with troops and maritime communities, and third, responsible and contextual reporting, encouraging media organizations and public commentators to present official policy statements in their full legal context to avoid misinterpretation and public division.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to "a peaceful, secure, and sovereign Philippines" and called on all public servants to remain united in upholding the rule of law and their oath of office.
The statement was signed by retired police major general Aaron Doria, chairman and president of AGFO.
