MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday called on Filipinos to stand united against misinformation aimed at undermining the country’s sovereignty.
“Ngayon higit kailanman, ating paigtingin ang pagkakaisa ng sambayanan upang iwaksi at pabulaanan ang mga kasinungalingan at maling impormasyon na pinalalaganap ng mga naglalayong tayo ay supilin at magkabaha-bahagi (Now more than ever, let’s reinforce national unity to ditch and refute lies and misinformation which aim to suppress and divide us),” Teodoro said in a message a day before the country’s 126th Independence Day commemoration.
Teodoro assured that the DND is committed to protecting the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its maritime domains.
“Sa gitna ng panibagong banta sa ating kalayaan at soberanya, at ng mga hamon ng modernong panahon, ang Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa ay inyong maaasahan na mananatiling matatag sa paninindigan sa pambansang karapatan sa ating mga kapuluan at sa pagtitiyak ng ating kinabukasan (Amid new threats to our freedom and sovereignty and the challenges of the modern times, the Department of National Defense will stay strong in its commiment to safeguard the country’s rights on our islands and our future),” he added.
Teodoro also paid tribute to all soldiers and veterans who have sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.
“Magsilbi nawang inspirasyon ang kanilang kagitingan sa ating Sandatahang Lakas at sa bagong henerasyon ng ating mga bayani (May their bravery serve as inspiration to our Armed Forces and the new generation),” he added.
He urged Filipinos to reflect on the lessons of history and recognize their contributions to nation-building. (PNA)
