MANILA, Nov. 20 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday assured the public that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will remain professional amid calls for its withdrawal of support from the government.

In a radio interview, Teodoro maintained that the DND and the AFP are both aware of their mandate to protect and secure the state against all oppressors, both foreign and domestic.

"(Sa) Sandatahang Lakas, makasisigurado ang ating mga kababayan, na ang ating sundalo ay professional. Hindi ito kailangan pangaralan. Alam nila ang kanilang misyon, sila ay mapagkakatiwalaan (Rest assured that our troops are professional. They do not need to be told what to do regarding such things. They know t...