Amid reported resignations, Galvez urges key DND officials to 'stay in place'

Defense Secretary-designate Carlito Galvez Jr. has enjoined key officials in the Department of National Defense (DND) to "stay in place," amid the reported resignation of seven to nine of its officials.

A DND statement on Wednesday said 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 statement said.

"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 officials and heads of bureaus, as well as 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 statement quoted Galvez as saying.

Galvez also emphasized the importance of employee morale in the DND and professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in maintaining the trust and confidence of the Filipino people.

Later in the afternoon on Wednesday, DND Undersecretary Angelito De Leon said the morale of AFP personnel remains high despite the alleged internal issues due to the changes in its leadership, adding there is no need for a loyalty check among them.

“Let me give my assessment based on the turnout in this morning’s traditional joint DND New Years’ call. All the key commanders were there including the key staff officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the DND civilian bureaus. So I think there is no issue on the morale. The morale remains high. We are focused on our mandate,” he answered.

Asked if it is still necessary to conduct a loyalty check among DND and AFP personnel with this shift in command, De Leon said there is no need to do so.

“Hindi na po. Wala pong kailangang loyalty check [there is no need for a loyalty check]. The AFP remains steadfast and loyal to the constitution, the flag, and the duly constituted authorities,” he added.

A retired military 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 a statement on Tuesday, Faustino said he quit his post last week after learning "only from news and social media" that a new AFP chief has taken oath in Malacañang, referring to General Andres Centino.

But according to Malacañang, Faustino knew about the sudden change of leadership in the military organization.

These developments have fueled speculations of unrest within the military, which officials have denied.

The DND said before 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/KG, GMA Integrated News