THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) joined the nationwide celebration of the 90th Founding Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
Held under the theme “AFP@90: Matatag na Sandatahang Lakas, Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas,” the simultaneous flag-raising ceremony took place at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario covered court in Panacan.
The event was led by Col. Jorry L. Baclor, EastMinCom Unified Command Staff chief, who represented EastMinCom commander MGen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio.
Attendees included officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources from EastMinCom, the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, and other units stationed within Camp Panacan.
During the ceremony, Baclor read the official message of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
The message highlighted the AFP’s enduring legacy of service and its “unwavering commitment” to national sovereignty and the Constitution.
In his statement, Brawner reflected on the birth of the AFP nine decades ago, founded on the principle that “a free people must be willing to defend their freedom.”
“For nine decades, the men and women of the AFP have defended our sovereignty, addressed internal security challenges, and responded decisively in times of disaster and crisis,” Brawner stated. “We do this while remaining firmly anchored on our core values of Honor, Service, and Patriotism.”
The ceremony serves as a reminder of the military’s role as a “reliable pillar of the nation” and its mandate to serve with discipline and integrity.
