Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. underscored the importance of maintaining a strong tri-service presence in Palawan to strengthen territorial defense, internal security, disaster response, and protection of the country’s resources. During his visit to AFP Western Command, Teodoro also urged troops to harness Filipino talent and ingenuity in addressing challenges in the area. (DND Photo)
DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., in a visit at the Western Command (WESCOM) in Camp General Artemio Ricarte, underscored the need for stronger and sustained military presence in Palawan
“Our operating area is unique because it needs not only discipline and strong will, but also creativity. We must also use our Filipino talent and ingenuity because what we confront here is extraordinary,” Teodoro said in his talk with the WESCOM personnel.
He also stressed the importance of establishing a significant and meaningful tri-service presence in the area to support territorial defense, internal security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and deterrence against unlawful and other nefarious activities.
“Palawan is the last frontier, right? Let’s make sure that it is the last frontier,” the Defense Chief added.
“As WESCOM reported, there is no insurgency here. Let’s make sure it stays that way,” he stressed.
Teodoro also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the presence and capabilities of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps in Palawan, including the establishment of at least a brigade-sized Army presence and the development of a sustainable growth plan for the Marine Corps.
“At the end of the day, a Marine Corps is not a Marine Corps if it has no mobility. And that is what we must work hard on to allow them to sustain their lethality, their firepower, and their mobility particularly now in the eastern seaboard where there is no significant presence,” he said.
Teodoro likewise said the support of communities for the continued presence of government forces must be reciprocated through security and tangible benefits that contribute to sustainable development.
“We will answer that call to make the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense, and partner agencies a catalyst for sustainable development and sustainable gains for the Filipinos not only now, but as Admiral Javier (WESCOM Commander Vice Admiral Alan Javier) had said, for the future generations of Filipinos initiated by our Commander-in-Chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” Teodoro said.
He further expressed his appreciation to WESCOM personnel for their sacrifices and commitment to their mission, emphasizing that their work contributes not only to the Command but to the broader national interest.
“Lastly, the people are grateful to you, and probably, you can feel it because despite the criticisms, a vast majority of our countrymen are ready, willing, and able to help attain our sacred mission of securing for our posterity the rights that rightly belong to them under international law,” he said.
Teodoro assured the troops that the leadership of the DND and AFP would continue to listen to their operational needs and incorporate these into broader efforts toward mission accomplishment.