Defense Secretary-designate Carlito Galvez Jr. has enjoined key officers within the Department of National Defense (DND) to “stay in place,” amid the reported resignation of seven to 9 of its officers.
A DND assertion on Wednesday stated Galvez gave the instruction to all members of the DND’s Executive Committee and heads of the DND bureaus.
“Secretary of National Defense-designate Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. enjoined all members of the DND’s Executive Committee and heads of the DND bureaus to stay in place during a transition briefing provided to him by DND officials on 10 January 2023 at the DND Building in Camp Aguinaldo,” the assertion stated.
“A formal report was presented to the SND-designate, the focus of which was to present the way forward of the Department and the 10-point agenda initiated by outgoing OIC, DND General Jose C. Faustino Jr.”
It added that after the presentation of the formal report, Galvez met with senior DND officers and heads of bureaus, in addition to members of the DND Executive Committee.
“We will sustain the gains of the past Secretaries and will also further enhance the capability of our national defense,” the DND assertion quoted Galvez as saying.
Galvez additionally emphasised the significance of worker morale within the DND and professionalism within the Armed Forces of the Philippines in sustaining the belief and confidence of the Filipino folks.
A retired navy official, Galvez took his oath as DND secretary on Monday following Faustino’s resignation as officer-in-charge. Prior to his appointment to the DND, Galvez was presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity.
In an announcement on Tuesday, Faustino stated he stop his put up final week after studying “only from news and social media” {that a} new AFP chief has taken oath in Malacañang, referring to General Andres Centino.
But based on Malacañang, Faustino knew concerning the sudden change of management within the navy group.
These developments have fueled speculations of unrest inside the navy, which officers have denied.
The DND stated earlier than coming to Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, Galvez met “in private” with Faustino, “who briefed him on the different accomplishments of the Defense Department along with his recommendations to ensure continuity in the Defense Department.” —KBK, GMA Integrated News
