Delfin Lorenzana

Lorenzana is the 36th Secretary of National Defense as part of the Cabinet of President Rodrigo Duterte.

As the primary defense policy maker and chief advisor to the President and Commander-in-Chief, he is guided by the core values of patriotism, professionalism, and good governance in leading the One Defense Team, bringing with him his wealth of experience and expertise in national defense and security, special operations, foreign military affairs, public diplomacy, veterans affairs and strategic leadership.

With the vision of transforming the country’s defense organization into a strong and credible force that guarantees Philippine security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, he oversees the implementation of Defense System of Management that has been certified under ISO 9001:2015 Standard. Secretary Lorenzana also hopes to stir the department to become a reliable partner in national development and a strategic player in the Asia-Pacific region.

As Defense Chief, he has directed the completion of high-impact programs to enhance the country’s territorial defense, internal security operations, total force capability build-up, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and international defense security engagements. At the same time, he also watches over the operations of the department’s civilian bureaus - managing disaster preparedness,[4] developing self-reliant defense industry,[5] and improving the welfare and wellbeing of the country’s defenders - the Filipino veterans[6] and our soldiers,[7] as well as their families.

On March 25, 2020, Secretary Lorenzana has been designated by President Duterte to lead the National Task Force (NTF) created by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases to fight COVID-19.[8] As such, he handles the operational command to implement the National Action Plan (NAP) that was created to effectively and efficiently implement and decentralize the system of managing the COVID-19 situation.

With the reorganization of the Duterte Cabinet in May 2016 through Executive Order No. 24, Lorenzana assumed a bigger role as Chairperson of the Security, Justice, and Peace Cluster.[9] The cluster works to protect the national territory and boundaries of the Philippines, attain just and lasting peace, ensure welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers, strengthen the rule of law, institutionalize an efficient and impartial justice system; and protect human rights.[10] Under his leadership, the cluster crafted its roadmap until 2022 which the member agencies are resolutely fulfilling, as part of the government’s sworn commitment to the Filipino people.

On 23 May 2017, shortly after the Marawi City was besieged by foreign and local terrorists,[11] he was appointed by the President Rodrigo Duterte as administrator of Martial Law in Mindanao, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 217.[12]

Under his guidance, the implementation of Martial Law by the security forces is one that was non-invasive and non-intrusive, but nonetheless, highly effective towards neutralizing the threats of rebellion, terrorism, and violent extremism. Grounded on the AFP’s mandate to protect the fundamental rights of the people, which are guaranteed by the Constitution of the Philippines, the defense chief ably directed the armed forces to observe and adhere to the rule of law, protect human rights, and uphold the international humanitarian law.

Pursuant to Lorenzana’s recommendation,[13] the Martial Law in Mindanao was no longer extended by the President after it lapsed on 31 December 2019. Its objectives have been successfully achieved upon the termination of rebellion in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, and other areas in Mindanao, effectively restoring peace and order.[14]

Government security forces were able to neutralize thousands of local, foreign and communist terrorist groups, most of whom surrendered while others were either captured or killed during military operations. Thousands of high powered and low powered firearms and improvised explosive devices had been seized or turned in.[15]

The success of martial law may also be attributed to the closer engagements of the AFP with local leaders down to the barangay level, and the efficient monitoring of the performance of local chief executives, in support to the good governance agenda of the Duterte Administration.

In May 2019, Secretary Lorenzana was again designated as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.[16] The region is now undergoing fast transition as the Bangsamoro Organic Law is being implemented. While this designation is pursuant to Executive Order No. 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, he also fully supports Muslims in their exercise of their right to autonomy and self-determination under one Philippine Flag.

Given the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and its subsequent ratification after the resounding success of a two-part plebiscite,[17] the government is now enabling the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in implementing the normalization process which includes, among others, the demilitarization of surrendered firearms as well as the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Fighters.[18] These steps are essential in building lasting peace and inclusive development and progress in the region.

Under his leadership, the capacity and capability building of the Armed Forces of the Philippines became a top priority of the current administration.

Under the AFP Modernization Program, 80% of all projects under the Horizon 1 and Horizon 2 have been completed as of third quarter of 2020. Among the vital assets delivered in 2020 include the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), [19] the first missile frigate of the Philippine Navy; six brand-new Super Tucano from Brazil for close air support, light attack, aerial reconaiisance missions, and counter insurgency;[20] first batch of the Sikorsky S70-I Blackhawk Helicopters from Poland;[21] and Php1.38 billion worth of defense gears from the US Defense Department.[22]

In the next few months and years, the Philippines can expect the delivery of more planes to patrol its skies, more ships to defend its maritime domain, more equipment for filipino troops to monitor and respond to threats, and better systems to quickly adapt to change.[23]

As Chairperson of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Secretary Lorenzana works tirelessly to empower Filipino citizens through disaster preparedness, and to build climate and disaster-resilient communities.[24]

On the policy side, he is very steadfast in implementing Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and in honoring Philippines’ international commitments such as the Hyogo Framework and the Sendai Framework towards building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. He also actively promotes regional cooperation among ASEAN countries to strengthen resilience and sustain economic growth amidst the presence of hazards.[25]

A very hands-on leader and an action man, he always makes it a point to lead every NDRRMC activity and event, no matter how big or small, whenever his schedule permits, such as kick off events for the national disaster resilience month, quarterly earthquake drills, full council meetings, and the like.[26]

He also personally joins pre-and post-disaster assessment inspections and briefings like what he did during Typhoon Haima or Super Typhoon Lawin, Battle of Marawi, Pampanga and Mindanao Earthquakes, 2020 Taal Volcano Eruption, and other disasters.[27]

Under his leadership, three-government command and control centers in Visayas and Mindanao and several regional evacuation centers in various provinces were built. He likewise facilitated the inauguration of the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) Philippines satellite warehouse.[28]

Most importantly, he led many significant engagements which effectively united stakeholders from many sectors of the society in proactively advocating resilience and disaster preparedness as a way of life.

Secretary Lorenzana is also a known as a champion of veterans’ and soldiers’ causes.[29]

Under the current administration, Php6.421 billion was ordered released by President Duterte to settle the arrearages in pensions of AFP retirees covering fiscal years 2008 to 2013.[30] This was made possible through the Lorenzana’s genuine concern for his fellow veterans and their families.

In 2018, the Philippine Congress enacted RA No. 11164 increasing the pension of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans from Php5,000 to Php20,000.[31] Lorenzana’s leadership was instrumental in the approval of this monumental welfare legislation for veterans that was strongly supported by the President.

As former Head of Veterans Affairs Office, Lorenzana developed and implemented the Philippine campaign to obtain veterans benefits for Filipino soldiers who served under the United States Army during World War II. He also coordinated closely with Philippine-based Filipino veterans on the lobby effort.

He also helped secure $0.5M annual grant-in-aid for the Veterans Memorial Medical Center 2003-2015 that totaled $12M+ over twelve years, and worked for the unification of Filipino-American efforts in support of the World War II (WW2) Filipino veterans equity lobby in the United States. This unified effort was instrumental in the passage of the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation Fund with an appropriation of $198M on February 17, 2009. An additional $67M was appropriated in 2010 for a total of $265M that awarded $9K/$15K for each qualified surviving Filipino WW2 veteran (naturalized US Citizens/Filipinos).[32]

Notably, Lorenzana also lobbied for the Parole Program for children of Filipino WW2 veterans to join their parents in the United States.[33] This was signed thru Executive Order by US President Obama on July 2015 and is now being implemented by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

His last posting as a military officer was as defense attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C., USA, where he retired in 2004 with the rank of major general.

As Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, he oversaw and monitored the military bilateral relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States on the Visiting Forces Agreement, military exercises, military aid, military training and foreign military sales. He also monitored and supported the Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel on schooling in the United States.

Lorenzana also helped develop the Terms of Reference for the highly successful Balikatan 02-2 Exercises between the AFP and the US Pacific Command in Basilan Philippines in 2002, to support military operations aimed to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in Southern Philippines.

Likewise, he assisted the Philippine Ambassador to the United States in obtaining military assistance from the US namely: Foreign military sales amounting close to $100M, military training & exercises amounting to $9M, and the grant-in-aid of 20 Huey helicopters and 1 Cyclone Special Operations ship.

Lorenzana was responsible for organizing, equipping, training and deploying Special Operations Command (SOCOM) forces all over the Philippines. During his stint at SOCOM, he led the conduct of the successful Balikatan 01-1 exercises involving United States Special Forces and AFP personnel in Mindanao. The exercise contributed to the recovery by SOCOM elements of the American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham from their Abu Sayyaf kidnappers in July 2002.

During this time, Lorenzana He oversaw the training and maintenance of Armor personnel and assets and ensured that Armor personnel and assets are properly deployed and utilized by supported units, and that Armor units are properly provisioned and supplied.

As concurrent Ground Commander of the Task Force Libra, Lorenzana's unit was deployed in Metro Manila to maintain a ready ground force to maintain stability. His forces secured former President Estrada while he was detained at the Veterans Medical Memorial Center and prevented pro-Erap forces from barging in the compound to free him. On 1 May 2001, with three battalions of troops and armor assets, the unit effectively prevented the overrun of Malacañang Palace by about 70,000 pro-Erap mob who were bent on unseating then newly installed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. This dispersal operation was smoothly and peacefully accomplished, with only minor injuries to the operating troops and the pro-Erap mob. ,

With four Infantry Battalions, a 155 Howitzer battery and one Light Armor Company under his command, the division was responsible for maintaining peace and order in South Cotabato, part of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and Davao del Sur.

During this time, Lorenzana served as a member of the Government Peace Panel during talks with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from 1998-2001.

Their division captured the kidnap-for-ransom leader Tahir Alonto and his group in July 1999 and brought three hostages to safety. When Tahir Alonto’s men attacked the General Santos Police prison in November 2000 to free their leader, Lorenzana's men succeeded in recovering more than 50 escapees.

With President Joseph Estrada's "all-out war" pronouncement against the MILF, Lorenzana's troops overran and captured three MILF camps during the AFP campaign from 1998-2000. They then maintained peace and order in their area of operation, enabling the local and national government to pursue development projects without interference from lawless elements.

Taking charge of the morale and welfare of the Army, Lorenzana managed all aspects pertaining to PA personnel from entry to retirement such as records management, career management, assignment, schooling, promotions, health, family support, and sports and recreation. Among his notable accomplishments was the improvement of the personnel management database of the Philippine Army through computerization.

During this time, Lorenzana formualted operational plans, troop deployment plan and Disaster Rescue Plans for the entire island of Visayas. He successfully supervised and managed security operations in the area.

Aside from making operations plans, troop deployment and Disaster Rescue Plans in SouthCom area encompassing the whole of Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Lorenzana supervised the successful operation against the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group based in their Al-Madinah Camp in Basilan in May 1993.

Lorenzana was responsible for monitoring the operations of all Armed Forces units and commands all over the country. He delivered daily summary and brief for the AFP Chief of Staff, and prepared staff studies on national security situation. He also monitored and ensured that major AFP assets such as ships, aircraft, guns and special units are in readiness at all times.

He also concurrently served as Commander of the AFP Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) Battalion, where he led the RDF Battalion in successful operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) insurgents in Camarines Sur and Southern Leyte.

Lorenzana developed operational and training plans for PSG units and personnel, and for the development of security plans for Malacañang Palace, then President Corazon Aquino, her family and other VIPs.

He assisted the Presidential Assistant for Military Affairs (PAMA) by ensuring that communications from GHQ to the Palace and vice versa were properly handled, quickly transmitted, monitored and returned.

Notable, his name gained national prominence after successfully defending Malacañang against rebel soldiers who attempted to overrun the palace in November to December 1989, by making sure that PSG troops were in constant readiness.

As the Battalion Commander, Lorenzana was responsible for maintaining peace and order in Davao City outside the City Proper. He supported, strengthened, and led the people-based Alsa Masa Movement to clear Davao City of insurgents, sparrow units and other criminal groups, in coordination with the City Government under then newly elected Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and the City Police under PSupt Franco Calida.

As Platoon leader and Company Commander, Lorenzana led men in the Mindanao and Luzon Campaigns against Moro National Liberation Front secessionists and NPA insurgents, respectively. He also acted as staff officer of Army units up to Battalion level, and served as Instructor at the Scout Ranger School and the Army Training Command (1985).

He also helped reorganize the Army Intelligence Unit after the EDSA Revolution.