AFP chief urges troops to prioritize mission over controversies

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday urged military personnel to remain focused on their sworn duties and responsibilities amid the dual citizenship issue involving Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.

In an interview, Brawner said the matter had already been addressed by the Secretary of National Defense himself.

“Nasagot na po ng ating Secretary of National Defense yung issue na 'yan. Sabi nga niya, he renounced that passport noong 2021 (That issue has already been addressed by our Secretary of National Defense, he renounced that passport in 2021),” Brawner said.

“Mag-focus na lang po tayo sa ating trabaho dahil marami po talagang problema ang ating bansa. So let's just focus on our job. Hayaan na po natin yung mga issue na mga ganyan (Let's just focus on our work because our country is facing many serious problems. So let's stay focused on our job and leave those kinds of issues behind),” he added.

Brawner then emphasized the importance of unity and dedication among the troops, assuring the public of Teodoro’s loyalty to the Filipino people.

“Ang importante is that yung kanyang allegiance and patriotism to our country is very strong. Nakita ko personally na the SND is very loyal to our Constitution, to our country, to our flag (What’s important is that his allegiance and patriotism to our country are very strong. I have personally seen that the Secretary of National Defense is very loyal to our Constitution, to our country, and to our flag),” Brawner added.

Asked whether the AFP is monitoring similar issues internally, Brawner emphasized that the matter remains personal and has been resolved, adding that it should not distract from the military’s core responsibilities.

“When it comes to the allegiance, ay nakita ko naman po (I can see), personally, that the SND is very loyal to our constitution, to our country, to our flag,” he said.