AT THE age of 43, he was the youngest Defense chief in the Philippines.
Gilbert Teodoro Jr., who is currently 58 years old, has been chosen by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to again head the Department of National Defense (DND).
Teodoro’s previous experience as DND commander gives him an advantage in dealing with the country’s insurgency. The Communist Party of the Philippines – NewPeople’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) would face yet another challenge as a result.
As expected, the progressive Makabayan bloc expressed alarm about Defense Secretary Teodoro’s return to this role, citing his previous stint in the Defense portfolio during the Arroyo administration.
Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers party-list challenged Teodoro to discontinue red-tagging, commit himself to territorial defense, and resume peace talks between the government and communist rebels. They are also urging him to focus on critical issues, such as China’s rising assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea.
On the other hand, Gabriela’s Rep. Arlene Brosas stated that there were human rights violations during Teodoro’s tenure at the Defense department from 2007 to 2009. Brosas said Teodoro was involved in OplanBantayLaya which she considers one of the bloodiest and most violent counter-insurgency efforts.
Meanwhile, Rep. Raoul Manuel of the Kabataanparty-list speculates on whether the DefenseSecretary will continue the military’s practice of publicizing compelled surrenderees. The forced surrenderees he referred to are cadres, members of the NPA, and supporters of the Militiang Bayan who voluntarily surrendered with documents or firearms.
These innocent civilians, whom members of the front organizations have recruited and turned into rebel NPAs causing mayhem in their community, believe the lie that they are contributing to society, which is not the case.
The Makabayan bloc seems terrified of their own ghosts. The government’s actions are a response to the atrocities and killings of the communist party and its armed wing. Do they fear the potential impact of Teodoro as DefensesScretary? Are they concerned about the potential undermining of their hidden agenda?
President Marcos must have had a reason to appoint him to this position. It is time for the CPP-NPA-NDF (as well as the Makabayan bloc) to acknowledge the impending conclusion of the long-standing insurgency.
The author and well-known journalist Mr.RigobertoTiglao once said that the CPP-NPA, which have killed and continue to kill Filipinos, are the primary enemies of the state. – KAREEN ASISTIO <>
