DILI, 07 November 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste has approved the participation of the FALINTIL–Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) in a humanitarian and civil protection mission to the Philippines, following the state of national calamity declared yesterday by Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his subsequent appeal for international solidarity.
Military personnel from the F-FDTL will be deployed to the central provinces of the Philippines, where Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused severe flooding, destruction, and loss of life, particularly in the province of Cebu.
According to a government, the decision, approved by the Council of Ministers, aligns with Timor-Leste’s international commitments under the United Nations and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as with the National Defence Law and the Organic Statute of the F-FDTL, which authorize the armed forces to participate in humanitarian and emergency missions in cooperation with other countries and international organizations.
The Council of Ministers also instructed the Minister of Defence, Donaciano Gomes, to immediately begin the constitutional and legal procedures for the deployment, including the preparation of rules of engagement, in line with the Humanitarian and Emergency Support Strategy adopted in January 2025.
Under the National Defence Law, the final authorization for deploying the F-FDTL in humanitarian operations must be jointly issued by the Government and the President of the Republic, after consultations with the National Parliament and the Superior Council for Defence and Security.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão yesterday sent a letter to President Marcos, expressing Timor-Leste’s deep sorrow over “the scale of this tragedy and the hardships faced by so many families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, reaffirming that the Timorese nation stands in solidarity with the Filipino people during this time of mourning and recovery.
According to the same source, Typhoon Kalmaegi has triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure destruction, leaving more than 140 dead, dozens missing, and around two million people affected, including hundreds of thousands displaced.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
