Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is fully supportive of the ongoing efforts of the three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to evolve into more capable units.

“The PAF (Philippine Air Force) and the PA (Philippine Army) together with the Philippine Navy, have the President’s support as the AFP evolves into a more agile, multi-threat, multi-theater operating armed force,” Teodoro said in a statement on Monday night.

The DND chief’s remarks came following the command conferences held by the PAF and PA with the Chief Executive on May 13 and 14, respectively.

Among key points in the discussions were the ongoing modernization and capability development for the PAF and PA as well as the major services’ support for the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept.

Teodoro said necessary interventions to remedy deficiencies were extensively discussed.

“Being able to touch base through these conferences gives us the impetus to develop and implement plans that are proactive, sustainable, and responsive to the archipelagic nature of our country,” Teodoro said.

He added that these high-level engagements with the President allow the major service commands to provide important updates on the national leadership’s priority programs on defense and security.

Aside from this, Teodoro said service commanders also obtained presidential guidance and interventions on crucial issues and challenges.

The defense chief said the PAF, led by Lt. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño, is committed to developing the country’s airpower capability to defend the nation from current and emerging security threats.

He also said the PA under Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido is undertaking efforts to become a modern and cross-domain capable land force. (PNA)