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AFP: Beefing up PH defense continues under DND chief Teodoro's watch

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno
May 30, 2025, 9:47 am

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Department of National Defense (DND) under Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in beefing up the country's capabilities to protect its territory and sovereignty.

"We continue to work shoulder to shoulder with the DND in advancing our modernization goals and strengthening our Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC)," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message sent to reporters Thursday night.

Teodoro kept his post as defense chief after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declined his courtesy resignation.

The CADC is the strategic shift where the AFP is tasked to defend all Philippine territories, including its 200 nautical exclusive economic zone.

Under Teodoro's leadership, Padilla said the AFP remains committed to protecting Philippine sovereignty, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

She also said the military respects the Chief Executive's decision to retain Teodoro as DND chief.

Teodoro and other members of the Cabinet tendered their courtesy resignations following the Chief Executive's directive as part of efforts to "recalibrate his administration."

Teodoro earlier thanked the President for allowing him to continue serving the country at his present post.

"Our mission at the DND continues. I thank the President for his continued trust and confidence as we pursue his vision of strengthening the nation's defense, protecting the patrimony of our archipelagic nation, and promoting regional peace and stability," he said. (PNA)