THE Department of National Defense (DND) has set its sights on enhancing the protection of the country’s sovereignty and modernization in 2025.
Presiding over the New Year’s Call in Camp Aguinaldo last Friday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. urged the department and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain steadfast in protecting national sovereignty and upholding humanitarian values.
Gilberto said the defense establishment must “not allow the Philippines to be subjected to any distortions in narratives or momentum.”
He laid down the DND goals as China continued to distort the narrative in its row with the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea.
Experts viewed China’s move as an attempt to reinforce its own interpretation that the South China Sea is part of its territory based on historical rights.
Teodoro has consistently rejected China’s claim.
“Every life is precious, and ‘no one left behind’ is our commitment — not only to our people but also to our international commitments,” Teodoro said.
He thanked the Philippines’ foreign partners for their support in upholding the country’s sovereignty and rights under international law.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. shared the military organization’s priorities for 2025, including its modernization, enhancement of defense capabilities, and establishment of a strong presence in strategic areas of the country.
The AFP plans to acquire more modern attack aircraft, navy vessels and land-based missile systems.
“We will enhance our naval, aerial, ground, air defense, and cyber capabilities to protect our resources and ensure the security of our waters, always adhering to international law,” Brawner said.
The annual New Year’s Call was attended by defense and military officials, foreign military attachés, officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian staff.
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