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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Internal security remains a priority, says Gibo

Internal security remains a priority, says Gibo

Published Oct 8, 2023 07:28 am
Gibo.jpg
Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (Courtesy of DND)

While the military has started shifting its focus to external defense, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. said that internal security remains a priority of the government.

Teodoro made the remark as he graced the ceremonial opening of the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security (ASPIRE) Project by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) in Isabela City, Basilan recently.

Teodoro said the ASPIRE Project is a "proactive and innovative way of reducing the proliferation of illegal weapons in the society."

"With the launching of the ASPIRE Project, police and military visibility is needed to deter any form of aggression, and for the rebels who want to surrender to feel safe," he said.

The ASPIRE Project encourages the registration and stenciling of loose firearms in identified areas, according to the DND.

Through the project, the government seeks to promote the decommissioning and normalization of the Bangsamoro peace process by reducing small arms and light weapons in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), it added.

It also aims to provide livelihood support to former combatants and members of private armed groups, and raise awareness on the negative effects of possessing small and light weapons, it continued.

The project was launched in Basilan as well as in the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and the special geographical area of BARMM. 

The project initially started in Sept. 2022 when the Japanese government signed a $5 million grant with the Philippines for its funding. The project was developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in consultation with OPAPRU, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Joint Normalization Committee.

Teodoro expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for being a "resolute partner" of the Philippines in making the country strong and resilient.

The event was also attended by OPAPRU Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Political Section First Secretary Col. Michio Suda, Dr. Srinivas Kumar from the UNDP Philippines, Akmad Brahim and Ariel Hernandez from the JNC, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Benhur Abalos, and Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman.

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