Photo credit: DND

In response to online rumors, the Department of National Defense (DND) has made it clear: Secretary of National Defense Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro, Jr. is not resigning. Director Arsenio R. Andolong, the DND spokesperson, firmly dismissed the baseless rumors, urging the public to be cautious about believing and spreading false information.

The rumor, which has been circulating online, seems to have caused quite a stir. Some groups have pushed this narrative, but the DND says it's nothing more than a desperate attempt to mislead and create chaos. "We call on those who purposely propagate unfounded lies to be circumspect and refrain from spreading misinformation and disinformation," Andolong stated.

And the President himself? He’s not having it. During a visit to Navotas, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. laughed off the resignation rumors, calling it "fake news" multiple times. “Fake, fake, fake, fake, fake, fake news 'yan,” he said with a chuckle, further adding that those behind such claims are just inventing stories to cause trouble.

Marcos assured the public that no changes have been made to his Cabinet. If there were, he emphasized, the administration itself would announce it—not anonymous online sources.

In the meantime, both Secretary Teodoro and the DND are staying focused on their job: ensuring the protection of the Philippines' territorial integrity and sovereignty. The DND reminds everyone to stay vigilant, not only against false rumors but also against real challenges facing the country.