MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) and all its attached agencies and bureaus will remain on heightened alert during the holiday season, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced on Wednesday.
In a statement, Teodoro assured the public that the DND will continue performing its duties to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos as the country celebrates Christmas and the New Year.
Among the DND’s attached agencies are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), the Government Arsenal, and the National Defense College of the Philippines.
Teodoro said the department remains vigilant against all forms of threats, whether natural or man-made.
He also called on the public to support the DND as it undergoes a critical transformation aimed at strengthening its capacity to fulfill its mandate.
The defense chief expressed gratitude to military and defense personnel who continue to serve during the holidays and assured their families that they will be cared for, in line with the government’s commitment to veterans.
Teodoro likewise offered prayers for victims of calamities in the Philippines and overseas, pledging to work harder to help prevent similar incidents. He ended his message by wishing the public a blessed and safe holiday season.