Dili, July 13, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Deputy Chief of the General Staff of FALINTIL – Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), Major General Calistro dos Santos ‘Coliati’ says that all the people are following the situation that is now happening in the country. The emergence of various crimes is a reflection, especially for the leaders.
“Because independence didn’t come like a flag, Independence is a collective product of the people, so that they can conquer their freedom and then be able to build themselves.” Said the Deputy Chief of General Staff of F-FDTL, Major General ‘Coliati’ to journalists at the General Headquarters in Fatuhada, Wednesday (10/07)
Major Coliati said that a free and independent people need the principles of democracy and the principles and values of human rights. But in the phase of state-building there are many challenges. One challenge we face today in our country is that we see various crimes. And these crimes happen because of those who govern our country.
He said that as a military member and also someone who came from the resistance, he has contributed a lot, big or small, to this country.
“I feel heartbroken when I see our country become a place for the black market. What is the black market? It’s something I learned in the base of support.” He stated.
The Deputy Chief of General Staff said that our country has become a base for various illegal activities. This comes back to the people who govern this country. Is it because the law is weak, or because the law exists but we don’t respect the law? That’s why things like this happen.
He emphasized that it is the people who must feel that they can have peace, stability and security in our country. It doesn’t only depend on the armed forces and the police, it depends on all the people.
Coliati also appealed to all the people of Timor-Leste, both ordinary people and leaders, to be vigilant and observant of the situation happening in the country.
“Help our security forces through information. When you see any suspicious activities in society, in neighborhoods, in villages, report it immediately to our security forces so they can act quickly.” He said.
He also stated that right now we see citizens entering with tourist visas, but there are some agencies that are legal and the state trusts them to process their visas to get work visas.
“And they use tourist visas to get work visas. We call this act state agents agents who serve the national interest like officials in those sectors, those who facilitate this, we call them criminals or opportunistic criminals. We cannot let criminals operate freely in our country.” He continued.
The Major General also said that in a country there are two institutions to combat criminals, whoever they are. That’s why a country has two forces: the police and the armed forces.
“This is to guarantee stability, to guarantee security, so that our state and our government have the opportunity to do development to serve the interests of the nation.” He said.
He stressed that for criminals the law must function. For Timorese who are involved in criminal acts, don’t forget that Timor-Leste has two institutions: the armed forces and the police.
“So don’t think that Timor-Leste is like Jakarta. Dili is not just a small village where you can easily carry out your activities according to your wishes up and down in the neighborhoods, the police there are secret agents there.” He stated.
The Deputy Chief of General Staff of F-FDTL appealed to Timorese to seek money and make a living through the right and legal way.
“You must respect and value the people who gave their lives to build this nation. Therefore, friends who want to live their lives have full freedom, but within responsibility. Don’t do activities according to your wishes, especially illegal activities. Activities that will turn Timor-Leste back into a criminal state.” He concluded.
Report By: Trainee Lourenço
Photo: Estefania