Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MANILA2689
2007-08-09 10:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manila
Cable title:
NEW DEFENSE SECRETARY VOWS TO CONTINUE PHILIPPINE
how-toVZCZCXRO5668 OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHML #2689 2211002 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 091002Z AUG 07 FM AMEMBASSY MANILA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7785 INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002689
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2017
TAGS: PGOV MARR RP
SUBJECT: NEW DEFENSE SECRETARY VOWS TO CONTINUE PHILIPPINE
DEFENSE REFORM
REF: MANILA 2238
Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Paul W. Jones, reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002689
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2017
TAGS: PGOV MARR RP
SUBJECT: NEW DEFENSE SECRETARY VOWS TO CONTINUE PHILIPPINE
DEFENSE REFORM
REF: MANILA 2238
Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Paul W. Jones, reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
1. (U) In an August 8 swearing-in ceremony, new Secretary of
National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. vowed that
Philippine Defense Reform will be a top priority under his
leadership, stating that he intends to continue the reforms
that have already begun. "We all wish to see the Armed
Forces evolve into a truly capable fighting force," Teodoro
said, adding that he is considering new ways to improve the
ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to manufacture
their own weapons and ammunition.
2. (U) Secretary Teodoro also pledged aggressively to pursue
Abu Sayyaf terrorists, referencing the Basilan incident where
14 Philippine Marines were executed and 10 were beheaded.
"We shall pursue the Abu Sayyaf bandits vigorously," he
vowed, while also expressing his support for continuing peace
talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and his interest
in re-initiating talks with the communist insurgents.
3. (C) Comment: The 43-year old Teodoro, a three term
Congressman and long-time Embassy contact, will be one of the
youngest Philippine Defense Secretaries ever. He is a
loyalist of President Arroyo, as well as a nephew of former
President Corazon Aquino, who sides with the political
opposition. Teodoro brings energy, political experience,
service as a military reservist, and civilian status to the
Department of National Defense. We are confident that the
Philippine Defense Department and military will remain firm
partners in our counterterrorism and reform efforts on
Teodoro's watch.
4. (U) For additional biographical information, see reftel.
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
JONES
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2017
TAGS: PGOV MARR RP
SUBJECT: NEW DEFENSE SECRETARY VOWS TO CONTINUE PHILIPPINE
DEFENSE REFORM
REF: MANILA 2238
Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Paul W. Jones, reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
1. (U) In an August 8 swearing-in ceremony, new Secretary of
National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. vowed that
Philippine Defense Reform will be a top priority under his
leadership, stating that he intends to continue the reforms
that have already begun. "We all wish to see the Armed
Forces evolve into a truly capable fighting force," Teodoro
said, adding that he is considering new ways to improve the
ability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to manufacture
their own weapons and ammunition.
2. (U) Secretary Teodoro also pledged aggressively to pursue
Abu Sayyaf terrorists, referencing the Basilan incident where
14 Philippine Marines were executed and 10 were beheaded.
"We shall pursue the Abu Sayyaf bandits vigorously," he
vowed, while also expressing his support for continuing peace
talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and his interest
in re-initiating talks with the communist insurgents.
3. (C) Comment: The 43-year old Teodoro, a three term
Congressman and long-time Embassy contact, will be one of the
youngest Philippine Defense Secretaries ever. He is a
loyalist of President Arroyo, as well as a nephew of former
President Corazon Aquino, who sides with the political
opposition. Teodoro brings energy, political experience,
service as a military reservist, and civilian status to the
Department of National Defense. We are confident that the
Philippine Defense Department and military will remain firm
partners in our counterterrorism and reform efforts on
Teodoro's watch.
4. (U) For additional biographical information, see reftel.
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
JONES