Defense upgrades to continue amid PH 'friend to all' stance: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24, 2023): Defense upgrades to continue amid PH 'friend to all' stance: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday assured that it remains committed to building up the military's capability to protect the country's territorial integrity.

"From where we stand, our role is really to build up our capability upgrades to protect the territorial integrity of our republic," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

While the Philippines is a "friend to all and enemy to none," as stressed earlier by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Teodoro said protecting the country's territory is non-negotiable.

"The President has already said what needs to be said. We are friend to all, enemy to none but our territorial integrity is sacrosanct under the Constitution and our Law, so I mean that says it all and there are many nuances, and there are many interactions under this paradigm," he added.

In a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office, Teodoro said he also expects the Chief Executive to highlight the government’s efforts to further modernize the defense system of the country in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA).

He also clarified that these intensified efforts would deter any form of aggression and improve the overall integrity of the Philippines’ defense system.

“He (President Marcos) will put a stress on effective modernization of our capabilities to deter any form of aggression,” Teodoro said when asked what defense achievements and programs should be expected in the President’s second SONA.

“Let me once again clarify that the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the defense establishments are not directed towards any country but towards the overall integrity of our security engagements, facilities, and capabilities.”

The President has previously declared his commitment not to give up even one inch of the country's territory while pursuing an independent foreign policy.

Teodoro noted that the President may focus on the need to continuously fund the AFP Modernization Program, especially the proper use, maintenance, and upkeep of the facilities and systems, saying these would not come cheap for the government.

He also emphasized the need to further train soldiers to operate and maintain military equipment, along with ensuring their welfare.

“We’ve noticed that there needs to be an improvement in project execution and integration of our human and command and control systems with our equipment,” Teodoro said, adding that the DND is looking at non-traditional allies that could help the ongoing modernization of the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206256