DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. visited the headquarters of the 103rd Infantry ‘Haribon’ Brigade at Kampo Ranao yesterday, September 19, to meet with frontline units.
The visit, aimed at boosting troop morale, also allowed Teodoro to make a firsthand assessment of the conditions of the brigade’s various battalions.
He said he wanted to understand the on-the-ground situation and ensure that soldiers’ immediate needs, such as adequate provisions, complete equipment and sufficient manpower, were addressed without delay.
Teodoro pointed out that one of the Department of National Defense’s priorities is promoting wellness initiatives for personnel, as these programs are “vital in encouraging and sustaining the long-term effectiveness of the armed forces.”
The visit was also in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) on October 13.
Teodoro announced that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been deputized by the Commission on Elections and is committed to its mandate of ensuring “peaceful, clean, and credible elections without partisanship.”
“Wala po tayong kinakampihan dito sa Barmm election. Ang kinakampihan lang po natin ay buhay ng bawat kababayan natin na ligtas sa kapahamakan,” Teodoro said.
When asked about a temporary restraining order issued by a court, Teodoro declined to comment.
“Wala akong comment doon. Ang concern ko ay seguridad, election man o hindi. Wala akong pakialam sa TRO, hindi ko trabaho iyon,” he said.
To address potential security threats, additional troops have been deployed in the region to safeguard peace and order.
