Baucau, August 21, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The commemoration of FALINTIL’s 50th Anniversary, with the theme “Extending Peace to the World,” was held at the Baucau Municipal Administration compound, according to information accessed this week from the F-FDTL page, on Wednesday.
Colonel Marcelino Ximenes “Rizai” emphasized the message of the Chief of General Staff of the FALINTIL-Defense Force of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), Lieutenant General Domingos Raúl “Falur Rate Laek,” who called on all Timorese to continue spreading peace to the world, contributing to what is best, and overcoming obstacles to live in harmony and peace.
“This gathering is not only to reflect on our shared past, but also to renew positive values for our present and to chart the path toward our future,” said Colonel Marcelino Ximenes “Rizai” at the Baucau Municipal Administration compound.
The Colonel added that this important day also calls us to remember those who fought in the armed struggle, to be grateful, and to remind the younger generation of their responsibility in inheriting the nation’s legacy. In the context of Timor-Leste’s struggle for self-determination, FRETILIN emerged as the political force guiding the fight for self-rule, amid betrayal and colonial conflict.
“The creation of FALINTIL on August 20, 1975 was meant to defend the people and the national territory, requiring the establishment of an Armed Force with the capacity to protect the population, support independence, and resist external aggression, particularly against powers that threatened national freedom,” said the Colonel.
He affirmed that this is why the government, through the Ministry of Defense and F-FDTL, chose the theme “Extending Peace to the World” for this year’s commemoration. The Chief of General Staff of FALINTIL-F-FDTL considered the theme a reflection on peace.
“This theme guides our reflections for the future. To extend peace to the world, we must connect directly with the legacy of our armed struggle: we learned how to wage war, and therefore, in times of peace, we must also know how to build peace,” Colonel Rizai affirmed.
He explained that the struggle for liberation taught us to defend the land and to demonstrate democratic maturity, requiring us to open our doors to the world and to convey that peace is the work of justice, dialogue, and cooperation. The sub-theme of this year’s commemoration highlights that FALINTIL, as the embodiment of national identity, helped shape the nation’s character, because identity is not merely a monument but a process of nation-building forged through hardship and sacrifice.
“We call on the government to continue serving and educating the people, and to always keep its attention on the people. FALINTIL taught us that this nation was built through sovereignty and the responsibility to defend the territory, respect international law, and strengthen relations with other nations,” Colonel Rizai explained.
He also reminded that FALINTIL taught courage, prudence, and firmness in facing injustice, without yielding to tensions or violence; discipline and unity in fulfilling duties for peace, without forgetting that the people are always at the center of the mission. He urged the creation of unity and respect for diversity, plurality, and culture, rich foundations that strengthen the nation.
“We call on all Timorese to serve with integrity, prioritizing the public interest over personal benefit, with transparency and honor. Independence is not the end, but the beginning of a collective effort where peace endures through impartial institutions, a professional defense force, a citizen-oriented police force, a credible justice system, and a public administration dedicated to the community,” Colonel Marcelino Ximenes “Rizai” cautioned.
He stressed that the military uniform must symbolize protection and mediation to spread peace to the world. Therefore, moving forward, investment must also be made in defense diplomacy and continuous training, so that Timor-Leste contributes credibly and effectively.
He further explained that peace-building is both a national and international mission. The Timorese experience provides us with moral authority to engage with humility and competence in peace missions, regional cooperation, and sustainable development initiatives.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Média-F-FDTL