Dili, November 4, 2025 (Media Democracia) – The Joint Forces, composed of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and the FALINTIL–Defense Force of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL), have complied with a political directive to prepare and guarantee peace and security during the upcoming national ceremonies such as, All Souls’ Day, Christmas, and New Year celebrations, across Timor-Leste’s territory, this information accessed by Media Democracia this past Friday from PNTL’s official page.
The Chief of the Armed Forces (XEMFA), Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”, in his speech, stated that Timor-Leste’s security and defense institutions today are experiencing a historic moment that goes beyond a simple graduation ceremony. The moment represents an institutional synthesis of the young nation, embodied in the Joint Task Force designed to guarantee peace and stability during critical national periods.
“Our trajectory as a nation clearly shows that success is built upon three fundamental pillars such as, respect, strict adherence to the chain of command, and the capacity to work together. These principles, shaped since the heroic days of our struggle for liberation, continue to guide our main institutional path,” said Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek” during the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the PNTL and F-FDTL held at the Special Police Unit Headquarters in Bairro Pite, Dili, on last Thursday.
The Lieutenant General further explained that the political directive approved by the Council of Ministers is not merely an administrative document but a strategic framework reaffirming the nation’s institutional maturity. Within this context, Timor-Leste assumes additional responsibilities, particularly following its historic accession to ASEAN on October 26 in Kuala Lumpur. The Joint Task Force between F-FDTL and PNTL, therefore, does not only represent an operational strategy but also symbolizes national unity.
“Our mission for the coming critical period such as, November 28, All Souls’ Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day which requires from each of us a heightened sense of institutional responsibility and commitment to peace,” the Lieutenant General stated.
He went on to explain that Timor-Leste’s recent integration into ASEAN has exponentially expanded the country’s responsibilities. “Now, we are being observed not only domestically but also by a regional community that expects from us maturity, professionalism, and sound institutional management capacity,” he added.
“I call on the PNTL and F-FDTL to maintain mutual respect, a strict chain of command and inter-institutional collaboration are the vectors that will lead us to success. This is not mere formality but a sacred duty for our existence as State institutions. For the PNTL, I renew our institutional commitment to serve in an atmosphere of absolute collaboration, complementarity, and mutual respect. Together, we are the guarantors of Timor-Leste’s stability,” the Lieutenant General emphasized.
He concluded by affirming that peace is not a static condition but a continuous process of construction, in which everyone plays a principal role. “For our beloved land, Timor-Leste, for peace and for stability,” he declared.
The parade marking the launch of Operation Ouro for the Joint Task Force of F-FDTL and PNTL was presided over by the Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”, accompanied by PNTL General Commander Police Commissioner Henrique da Costa, Deputy General Commander Police Commissioner Pedro Belo, F-FDTL Major General Cornelio Ximenes “Maunana”, along with senior officers of both the PNTL and F-FDTL at the Special Police Unit Headquarters in Bairro Pite, Dili.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: PNTL Media