Aileu 04 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – In the context commemorating 25 years of FALINTIL transformation, Defense Ministry Rear Admiral., Donanciano Costa Gomes is committed to continuing to strengthen and modernize capacity, including improving living conditions for F-FDTL members.
“As the Defense Ministry, I reaffirm the State’s commitment to continue strengthening the F-FDTL, modernizing capabilities, improving living conditions, investing in education and military health, logistics, and interoperability. Strengthening the F-FDTL means strengthening national confidence, ensuring the military institution lives totheger, is political, disciplined, and close to the people, serving in all circumtances with honor and transparency.” Said Defense Ministry Donanciano Costa Gomes in his speech at the commemorating of FALINTIL transformation day, at Sabraka field, monday (02/02)
The Defense Ministry added, F-FDTL was born with structure, doctrine, and maturity, needs consodilation of the Land Component, affirmation of the Naval Component, and life of the Air Component, especially efficient learning to become Armed Forces in a democratic state, with clear rules, civilian control, respect for human rights, and responsibility to the institution of the Republic.
Defending sovereignty means protecting our land, sea and airspace, especially protecting the life and dignity of each individual. It means being ready to respond to traditional threats and new challenges. It also means being prepared to respond to natural disasters, humanitarian crises, transational crime, illegal fishing, cyber threats, and disinformation.
The Minister affirmed that, since the beginning of his mandate as Defense Minister, who is responsible for the administration of the Defense Forces, measures have been taken to consolidation and develop FALINTIL-FDTL through development that ensures conditions for operational employment and capacity to fulfill its constitutional mission.
Regarding the strengthening of human resource capacity, which includes the establishment of a miltary academy and in the of social support, establishing conditions that allow for social support for military personnel and their families.
To this end, icluding the instalation of a military families and, no less important, the creation of the National Associationo of F-FDTL Military, an embryo of social support for military personnel.
Our flag must be known not only for its strength, but for dicipline, competence, and respect for universal values. In another perspective, the Ministry of Defense gives speciall attention and value. In civil protection, F-FDTL becomes a force of hope, when nature hits us with floods, landslide, droughts, or stroms, our military helps the population because human security is an inseparable part of the mission. A secure country doesn’t leave anyone behind, and F-FDTL shows strenght can be silent, and dicipline can be kind.
The Minister reaffirms, the F-FDTL needs the talent and determination of both women and men, a modern force is inclusive, meritrocratic, and demanding. In a place where professionalism exists, there is no room for discrimination, abuse, or violence. Mutual respect and honor for work are the greatest assets for each military personnel.
“I have a message for young Timorese people. Our independence isn’t destination, it’s a daily work, because freedom needs guardians and builders. If you choose to serve Timor-Leste in the F-FDTL, do it with competence and heart. If you serve in other sectors, serve with patriotism as well, study, work, respect the law, heal the community, defend the true language. I congratulate those who are transitioning to reserve or retirement today. You will always be F-FDTL military. The nation will be grateful for you, F-FDTL will be like your home, F-FDTL heir of the struggle that became hope.” Reaffirms Defense Minister Donanciano Costa Gomes
Today we celebrate 25 years, an institution that has learned to win with resilience and serve with discipline. The Minister asks that in the next 25 years, we will have greater professionalism, greater readiness, and be closer to the people. F-FDTL will be a strong wall for sovereignty and safe harbor for Timorese in difficult times.
As well as, the Chief of Major General State of the Armed Forces (XEMJFA) Lieutenatn General, Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek” explains. Today’s recognition is a historic recognizition that the entire nation highly values, because the strategic vission of military policy during a crucial period encompasses the fundamental truth.
“Defending Timor-Leste’s sovereignty requires the courages gained from the libertation struggle, but above all, institutionalism of the Nation and Profrssionalism and modernization, our armed forces’ vision is clear and determined, because transforming Guerrillas into professional soldier to become the F-FDTL institution will transform into a solid capacity to guarantee Timor-Leste’s aspiration to affirm its sovereignty within is National territory.” Says Chief of Major General State of the Armed Forces (XEMJFA) Lieutenatn General, Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek”
These 25 years is an extraordinary transformation period in this journey to establish institutional and legislative frameworks that enable the implementation of defined strategy.
“Our operational capacity development with human resource investment, career progression, and continuous training in these years will implement the F-FDTL statute not as a administrative act, but as a historic act and justice, we recognize those who fought for TL’s libertation who previously faced difficulties and shed blood in our mountains.” Says Chief of Major General State of the Armed Forces (XEMJFA) Lieutenatn General
The institutional transformation thatt is takin place under future leadership today completes the transformation of FALINTIL into F-FDTL 25 years with the inauguration of the Joint Military Academic, this is a decisive step in academic military training for leaders who will guide in the future.
This is the beginning of consolidating our militaty doctrine that will guide F-FDTL in future generations, because today we plant the seeds that will yield results prepared with fundamental ethics, because the fundamental priciple defines loyalty to the Nation, loyalty to the Constitution, loyalty to the comrades, and loyalty to the values that built the F-FDTL Institution, fighting agains operation. Meanwhile, in 25 years of construction, bringing the FALINTIL F-FDTL Institution to a critical phase and consolidating the institution, the Armed Forces’s hope.”
Reporting : Estefania
Photo : Estefania