The Department of National Defense (DND) assured the public that it remains on alert to ensure a peaceful and safe Christmas and New Year's day celebration for everyone.
DND Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. made the remark in a video greeting released by the DND in time for the Christmas Day.
"Asahan niyo po, batay sa utos ng ating Pangulo, kami po ay patuloy na nagmamasid, nagbabantay at naghahanda upang masigurado natin ang holiday season ay maging mapayapa at ligtas po sa anumang untoward na incident (Rest assured that, based on the directive of the President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.], we will continue to watch, guard, and prepare to make sure that the holiday season will be peaceful and safe from any untoward incident)," Teodoro said.
The defense chief also thanked the DND personnel and all the military and civilian personnel composing its five bureaus for serving the public up to the farthest corner of the country, despite being away from their families and facing the threats to their lives.
The five DND bureaus are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVA), National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), and Government Arsenal (GA).
"Nakikiisa po kami sa inyo at patuloy po kaming magsisilbi upang masiguro itong Christmas season at New Year na ito ay maging makabuluhan at mapayapa (We are one with the people and we will continue to serve you to ensure that the [celebratio of] Christmas season and this New Year will be meaningful and peaceful)," Teodoro said.
He also encouraged the public to support the defense and military personnel as they continue to fulfill their duties to serve the people and protect the country from all sorts of threats to security.
"Kami po ay nananalig sa patuloy niyo pong pagtitiwala at pagsuporta sa atin (We trust in your continued support and confidence in us)," Teodoro noted.
Meanwhile, AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr., encouraged the troops to remain true to their mandate while remembering the essence of Christmas -- reflection, gratitude, and togetherness.
"As members of the AFP, our mandate to protect the State and secure our people is never without challenges. However, we always rise to the occasion because of the collective and unwavering dedication and sacrifices of every soldier, sailor, airman, and marine," Brawner said.
He urged the troops to "stay true to the meaning of Christmas" by generously offering their blessings of peace and serenity to the nation and the people.
"I sincerely thank each of you for your commitment to duty and genuince service to our people and country. Together, united, we can overcome obstacles and adversities and accomplish much," Brawner stressed.