Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said "internal security" remains among the country's priorities as "much as external security."

Teodoro stressed this during the ceremonial opening of the Assistance for Security, Peace, Integration and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Project earlier this week in Isabela City, Basilan.

During the event, Teodoro said the ASPIRE project is a proactive and innovative way of reducing the proliferation of illegal weapons in society, "as one of the mandates of the current administration is the safeguarding of the country's internal security."

"Kaalinsabay ng ASPIRE project, kailangan ang police and military visibility to deter any form of aggression, para sa mga magsu-surrender, mararamdaman nila na safe sila," he said.

Teodoro cited that recent achievement of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines—where 6 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and 8 ASG supporters surrendered with their 13 high-powered weapons.

The ASPIRE project aims to promote the decommissioning and normalization of the Bangsamoro peace process, by reducing small arms and light weapons or SALWs in the region.

It also aims to provide livelihood support to former combatants and members of private armed groups, as well as raise awareness of the negative effects of possessing SALWs.

The ASPIRE Project started in September 2022, when the Japanese government signed a $5 million (PhP285 million) grant. The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Program, in consultation with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity; the Moro Islamic Liberation Front; and the Joint Normalization Committee.

Further, Teodoro expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for being resolute partners in making the Philippines a strong and resilient country, both internally and externally, adding that programs such as ASPIRE intend to harden the country's integrity in order to face external challenges.

"Japan and the Philippines, alongside other like-minded nations, enforce the rule of international law and rules-based global international orders," he added.

Teodoro then encouraged the citizens of Basilan to protect their hard-earned peace as there were many groups who were trying to wreak havoc.

"I thank the BARMM for being proactive in engaging with the national government to solidify our processes of governance so that the threats to national security are eliminated," he said.