Tyros - your opinions on DND and AFP's role

[40niner]

What are your opinions regarding the role of DND in general, and AFP in particular -- regarding it's missions?

[Mr. Pitz]

As for me, they have the mandate to protect the nation, its natural resources and the sovereignty it corresponds as it was stated by law in the sense that they secure the welfare as well as the national interest of the Filipino people starting from a Filipino family to the whole country.

[El_Filibusterismo1978]

As a student of law, I will not look further than what is stated in the Constitution....

SEC. 3.
Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.

[hughdotoh]

So long as the AFP isn't relied on to carry out the functions of the civilian departments.

AFP shouldn't be the go-to agency for building schools, or medical services, or infrastructure projects.

[Magoo]

I believe the the DND and the AFP in general are the protectors of the nation,its sovereignty and its people.

I also concur that the AFP should not be the primary go-to-guy for whatever is lacking in far off areas. If it functions as the DPWH, DSWD, DepEd etc.. etc.. it will dull the edge.

How many engineering battalions are there and not one bridge layer in sight.

[SG99n1]

DND stands for National Defense, AFP stands for Armed Forces. Primary task is to defend the people, the country/flag, the territory from foreign and domestic military aggression. I didn't include the Constitution. The Supreme Court protects it.
Secondary task is to assist other arms of the government in their PRIMARY functions with emphasis as being a support unit. DND has the resource/asset capability, manpower and expertise to lead, but at least other Departments should shoulder the budget and reimburse the DND from the incurred expense.

Personally, I really put my faith in the AFP to protect this country and her democracy from a dictator, from communists and religious extremism that resorts to terrorism.

[Invictus]

I can sleep soundly at night knowing that DND's mission is:

to provide and maintain the conditions of security, stability and peace and order conducive to economic growth and national development

and that the AFP is mandated to:

• Uphold the sovereignty
• Support the Constitution
• Defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines against ALL enemies, foreign and  domestic
• Promote and advance the national aims, interest and policies
• Plan, organize, maintain develop and deploy its regular and citizen reserve forces for national security

[kilosierraromeo]

AFPs main role is to defend our sovereignty, intergrity of our territory and our people from both foreign and domestic agressors

[Sinagtala]

The role of the DND and the AFP is not limited to protecting the people and the sovereignty of the State. It should be taken account the various roles the Defense Department and the AFP play in nation-building. It is through their civic actions and civil-military operations that the two agencies contribute to the betterment of far-flung areas. The various dental/ health missions, environmental programs and such activities together with the private sector and different non- governmental organizations bring the DND and the AFP at the forefront in developing these far-flung areas, especially war- torn areas.

[kyuzoaoi]

The DND and AFP's role is first and foremost, the defense of the country from threats of any kind, whether it is an external threat, and internal threat, or a natural or man-made disaster.

[citizend13]

Protect the interests of the country. Stay away from politics.

[wyvern1_6]

Protect the interests of the country. Stay away from politics.

Although the in the case of the DND and specifically the SecDef, as a cabinet level position is a political appointee. I would hope though that Secretary Lorenzana, as a former Army officer himself will be successful in keeping the AFP insulated it from political pressures. 

[Kylyne]

DND does the politicking while, the AFP do the hard work. 

[Shrike]

Qui custodiet ipsos custodes.  The DND is supposed to be the symbol of elected, civilian supremacy over the military.

[salbahis]

Qui custodiet ipsos custodes.  The DND is supposed to be the symbol of elected, civilian supremacy over the military.

like Napolcom is for PNP, and DOTC is for PCG