The defense minister of the Philippines emphasized on maintaining the territorial integrity of his country
The defense minister of the Philippines, emphasizing adherence to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of his country, clarified his position against the separatist threats of the former president.
According to ISNA, Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro today (Monday) released a statement to join the security authorities in the country that they have pledged to defend the territorial integrity of the country after the separatist threats of Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines.
On January 30, Duterte called for independence for the island of Mindanao, his hometown in the southern Philippines, as his alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. fell apart last week over efforts to reform the constitution.
According to the Reuters report, the Defense Minister of the Philippines emphasized in his statement that the duty of his ministry is to defend the sovereignty of the country and the integrity of the national territory, which is also stated in the constitution.
He further noted: We will carry out this task strongly and strictly both inside and outside.
Teodoro's stance echoed similar comments made by the Philippine National Security Adviser on Sunday, who said the government will not hesitate to use its powers and forces to suppress and stop any attempt to break up the Republic of the Philippines.
Duterte made history by becoming the first president of the Philippines from the island of Mindanao, as the resource-rich island has been mired in violence and conflict for decades, with the government constantly battling insurgents and extremists. These unrests have reduced investments in the island and plunged its villages into poverty.
Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romeo Brawner also reminded soldiers on Sunday during a visit to military camps in Mindanao that “we have sworn to always follow the chain of command and be loyal to the Constitution and our official authorities.”
He emphasized: Let us continue to show that with a strong and united military force, we will have a strong and united Philippines.
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