Value Duterte’s trust, ex-uniformed personnel urged

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged former military, police and other law enforcement officials now serving in government as civilians, to continue showing integrity in performing their duties and functions.

“We hope to fortify this group to facilitate easier coordination in our future endeavors and converge our efforts in order to bring greater impact on the lives of the people,” he said.

Lorenzana issued the call as retired personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and reservists who are holding elective and appointive positions in government, gathered for the Samahang Serbisyong Kawal fellowship held at Camp Aguinaldo yesterday.

The activity aimed to forge networks among the personnel and formulate “concrete and common agenda to collectively establish mechanisms in support for the government’s efforts to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development in the country.”

“I hope we will not fail (President Duterte) as he deeply values our sense of discipline, duty, urgency, integrity and unquestionable love for country,” Lorenzana said in reference to the President’s statements on how he takes note of the obedience and integrity of former uniformed personnel as rationale for appointing them to government positions.

The fellowship was held in partnership with the national security adviser; the secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council; presidential adviser on the peace process; the chairman of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; and the director generals of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.