DILI, 02 february 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste commemorated the 25th anniversary of the transformation of its former resistance force, FALINTIL, into the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), at a ceremony held in the Aileu municipality.
The event, which took place at Aileu’s municipal football field, paid tribute to the legacy of the liberation struggle, the institutional development of the armed forces and the evolving challenges of national defence in the 21st Century.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of the General Staff of the F-FDTL, Lieutenant-General Falur Rate Laek, described the transition from a guerrilla resistance movement to a regular armed force as a historic milestone for Timor-Leste’s struggle for self-determination.
He said the transformation enabled the country to move from armed struggle to a professional, modern and constitutionally recognised military institution.
According to Falur Rate Laek, defending national sovereignty required not only courage but also the “institutionalization, professionalization and modernization of the armed forces”, which he said were essential to ensuring stability and strengthening the credibility of the military.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Portuguese military instructors during the early years of the transition, highlighting Colonels Manuel Afonso and Luís Manuel Braz Bernardino. He described them as builders of “an institutional bridge between the liberation struggle and the creation of a modern, professional defence force”.
The Lieutenant-General said the implementation of the Statute of the Military Personnel of the F-FDTL reFrom Guerrilla Force to National Army: Timor-Leste Reflects on 25 Years of F-FDTLpresented “an act of historical justice”, guaranteeing former combatants the right to retirement and reserve status with dignity.
He described the process as “delicate but absolutely imperative” in honouring those who fought for independence.
Falur Rate Laek also highlighted the inauguration of the Joint Military Academy in Aileu as a decisive step for the future of the armed forces.
He said the academy marked the beginning of consolidating a strong military doctrine and culture.
The Minister of Defence, Donaciano Gomes “Pedro Klamar Fuik”, who presided over the ceremony on behalf of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, praised the decisive role of FALINTIL in the restoration of independence.
He described FALINTIL as one of the fundamental pillars of liberation and the moral foundation upon which the F-FDTL was built.
Over the past 25 years, the Minister said, the armed forces had evolved significantly in terms of structure, doctrine and institutional maturity, strengthening their land and naval components and beginning to develop an air capability.
Pedro Klamar Fuik said the F-FDTL had established itself as “a democratic armed force, subject to civilian control, respectful of human rights and committed to constitutional values”.
However, he noted that the institution now faces increasingly complex challenges, including natural disasters, humanitarian crises, transnational crime, illegal fishing and disinformation. In this context, he underlined the role of the armed forces in promoting human security, recalling their frequent deployment to assist communities during emergencies.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the F-FDTL through modernisation of capabilities, investment in training, military healthcare and social support for service members and their families.
Among the strategic priorities outlined were the creation of a military hospital, the construction of housing for military families and the expansion of Timor-Leste’s participation in international peacekeeping and defence cooperation missions.
Among those present were the President of the Court of Appeal, Afonso Carmona, former holders of senior state positions, members of parliament and the government, as well as representatives from the armed forces of Portugal, Malaysia, Australia and the Philippines. Also in attendance were members of the diplomatic and consular corps, the Commander-General of the National Police of Timor-Leste, Henrique da Costa, local authorities from Aileu, veterans and representatives of international organisations.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Filomeno Martins
