PRESIDENT Duterte on Sunday urged the new batch of graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to be faithful to their mission of being good soldiers who will protect the Filipino people and secure the country’s sovereignty.

Out of 350 cadets who entered the academy four years ago, 261 emerged triumphant, led by five female cadets including the valedictorian, Cadet First Class Dionne Mae Apolog Umalla.

During his keynote speech at the commencement exercises of the PMA “Mabalasik” class of 2019, the Commander in Chief reminded the graduates to always embody courage and loyalty as they pursue their noble careers in military.

“Our security is not anymore just about arms and equipment. At this time, complex and irrational state and nonstate actors may even pose a danger to our country. Given this reality, I ask you to always remain faithful to your mission: Be a good soldier who will serve the Constitution, protect the people, secure our sovereignty and preserve the integrity of our national territory,” Duterte said at Fort Gen. Gregorio H. del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday.

Moreover, the President asked them to be humble, be teachable and be grateful.

“Lastly, always look for each other’s backs. In the field, nobody wins alone. Where many old mindsets are fading fast and new ones are coming from the unprecedented sources,” he said.

To end his speech, the President said: “Serve your country well. Die for your country if need be. Remember the young Filipinos yet to come, the children and those who are now studying. Huwag [ninyong] kalimutan ’yan [Don’t forget that].

And if you think that the country is not run the way it is and if it will destroy your country, you should know what to do,” he added.

Aside from a Presidential Saber, the President also handed Umalla with a house and lot certificate.

Duterte also gave a watch to Cadet 1st Class Alberto Lester Guzman Julaguit incoming corps commander of cadet corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Cadet First Class Danmark Q. Solomon received a new pistol from the President.

The President has been criticized for taking a softer stance against China when it comes to issues in the West Philippine Sea.

This, even though the country has won in the dispute through the landmark ruling issued by The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 invalidating China’s “excessive” claims to the West Philippine Sea.

He has, however, repeatedly asserted that there is a time when the arbitral tribunal ruling will have to be invoked against China, and when that time comes, he will not hesitate to use it.