Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday, June 3, pressed for a stronger and expanded Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as he underscored the military’s gradual shift toward external defense while continuing internal security operations in key regions.

Teodoro made the remark during a visit to the headquarters of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division at Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City where he received a briefing on the security situation in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga region.

Addressing troops, Teodoro pointed to manpower gaps in the military as he pushed for expansion across ranks.

“We are short of personnel, that is why I am pushing for the expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, from our enlisted ranks to our officer corps, and our civilian human resources are very important,” he said.

The DND has been pursuing reforms aimed at building a more “credible external deterrence” even as internal peace and security operations remain central to the AFP’s current mandate.

Teodoro also emphasized the continued importance of domestic security operations, particularly against communist insurgency remnants.

The 4ID has been at the forefront of campaigns in Northern Mindanao and Caraga, areas long affected by insurgent activity.

“So my job is to say for you what you cannot say because you are in uniform and disciplined. That is my job,” he told soldiers, referring to the role of civilian leadership in articulating policy positions.

He also reiterated his rejection of renewed peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), its armed wing the New People's Army (NPA), and its political wing the National Democratic Front (NDF), linking it to attempts to regain legitimacy through negotiations.

“Now the CPP-NPA-NDF wants to make it appear that there is extreme chaos here, that things are very chaotic, just so they can get attention. They will enter peace talks and demand all kinds of conditions. They want to legitimize their struggle and give moral justification to what they are doing, which is heartless and reckless,” Teodoro said.

The CPP-NPA-NDF has long been engaged in armed conflict with the government, with past peace negotiations repeatedly collapsing over issues of compliance and ceasefire terms.

The government has since maintained that internal security operations must continue alongside development programs in conflict-affected areas.

Teodoro said sustaining public trust in the military remains essential as the AFP undergoes modernization and structural changes. He called on troops to strengthen operations while the defense establishment expands its capabilities.

“I encourage all of us, as a branch of government with a very high trust rating and strong credibility among the people, and for my part, I am helping expand, strengthen, and develop the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the defense chief noted.

“We will establish credible external deterrence while maintaining stable internal peace and security, which will be our mission area for a very long time,” he added.

Meanwhile, Teodoro brushed off reports that he and his family have been barred from entering China, stating he has no assets there and no longer intends to visit the country due to its “oppressive” government.

The reported travel ban allegedly stems from a May 15 government raid on the Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental where authorities discovered 69 Chinese nationals handling suspected hazardous or noxious materials.

“I have no assets in China and I have no plans of going there,” Teodoro said, adding that while he previously wished to visit for the food, people, and culture, he changed his mind because of Beijing's governance.

“It’s a lost opportunity, but if the behavior of your government is like that, where citizens have no rights, then never mind,” he added.

Following the raid, Teodoro met with the Association of General and Flag Officers (AGFO), led by retired Police Major General German B. Doria, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to discuss the raid.

Both Teodoro and AGFO underscored the need for a whole-of-government approach and strict enforcement of environmental, safety, and national security laws, noting that the uncovered materials pose risks to both workers and local communities.

Teodoro assured the group that the DND will launch a thorough investigation into the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate and promised to hold all negligent or involved parties accountable to prevent similar incidents in the future.