Dili, Tasi-Tolu, August 20, 2025

(F-FDTL Media), The FALINTIL Institution - Timor-Leste Defense Forces (F-FDTL), together with the 9th Government, veterans and citizens, celebrate the 50th FALINTIL Day of Existence in Dili, Tasi-Tolu.

Address by the President of the RDTL

"Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of FALINTIL, the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of Timor-Leste, which was created on this day in 1975, when the FRETILIN Central Committee proclaimed a general armed insurrection following the armed action launched on August 11, 1975." "This date reminds us that the first tragic conflict that occurred in our country was the conflict between Timorese brothers, the civil war of August 1975."

"Serious crises and crimes occurred during the struggle for independence, where Timorese killed other Timorese. The 2006 crisis is also our responsibility and a crisis that deeply dishonors us."

"The first lesson we must learn from these dark chapters of our history:

1. Avoid political rhetoric, ideologies poorly copied from other realities and avoid speeches that inflame emotions and can ignite fires.

2. Dialogue, dialogue, and dialogue, not dialogue of the deaf, but dialogue that the other side hears and respects.

3. Dialogue, the only way to prevent conflicts, build safe bridges of understanding, and an antidote to violence.

4. August 20th must be remembered as a day when political leaders failed to engage in dialogue, a day of reflection so that history does not repeat itself.

5. We celebrate FALINTIL, who fought in the first confrontation and retreat in Balibó, Maliana, and Atabae, and heroically defended our beloved city of Dili, violated on that fateful day, December 7, 1975.

We celebrate 24 years of FALINTIL's armed and political struggle. We pay tribute with profound gratitude to Heroes and martyrs, we celebrate the living heroes, the heirs of memory and the builders of freedom, and we honor the martyrs of our countries.

I salute the veterans, the women of the armed and clandestine resistance, the combatants, the youth of RENETIL, the members of the clandestine network, the bishops, priests, and nuns who give voice to justice, and all the families who courageously sustain national hope.

Our collective memory is linked to the names and deeds of those who resisted until their last breath.

We cannot remember them all at this moment, but we can remember some who inspire us every day. Nicolau Lobato, Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief, died in combat on December 31, 1978, the ultimate symbol of sacrifice, on August 16. I traveled to the place where Nicolau Lobato died with heroism and dignity, shedding his blood. I am accompanied by Nicolau, Lobato's only son, José. Lobato.

"I thank the Government, the CEMG FFDTL and the Deputy Chief of Staff, the municipal authority of Manufahi (Same), and retired General Lere Anan-Timur for their efforts in preparing for my departure.

"My intention is very modest: to reach the place where Nicolau Lobato died and make some proposal to dignify this place. Thousands of simple and humble people come to this place. I do not want to inconvenience or burden the authorities and the local population with my visit."

We remember with deep respect the leaders who survived the occupation and led the national reconstruction, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, and those who walked with him since 1975 and especially since 1981, arriving in Tasi-Tolu at midnight on May 20, 2002.

While FALINTIL resisted in the mountains, the Clandestine Network—composed of anonymous agents, courageous men, women, and young people—ensured the connection between the fighters and the occupied cities, keeping the resistance alive under constant surveillance.

Their actions ensured the logistical and political survival of the armed struggle.

Similarly, RENETIL (National Student Resistance of Timor-Leste), which emerged in Indonesian universities, played a crucial role in mobilizing Timor-Leste's youth. RENETIL became a strategic resistance force, articulating the political and diplomatic front that projected Timor-Leste's struggle onto the international stage. Among its most prominent leaders are the late Fernando de Araújo "Lasama," a charismatic figure and tireless defender of the rights of the Timorese people, and Mariano Assanami Sabino Lopes, an active voice and articulator of a decisive mobilization, symbolizing the youth's contribution to national liberation.

"We recognize the invaluable role of the Catholic Church as the moral and spiritual pillar of our resistance. In times of despair, it is in the pulpits, sacristies, missionary schools, and the hearts of the faithful that many find refuge, courage, and voice. Bilis, priests, men and women religious, religious sisters, and parish communities, pave the way for denunciation, victim protection, and the tireless affirmation of human rights." We renew our focus on the spiritual and civic leadership of the Church, with special recognition of the late Bishop Martinho da Costa Lopes, whose prophetic voice shook the international conscience, and Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo, whose pastoral work inspired and protected generations.

This is the story we reaffirm today: the story of sacrifice and victory, the story of tears and dignity. This is the story of a people who chose to resist—and won.

The year 2025 holds unique significance for the Nation of Timor-Leste. During these months, we celebrate three milestones that define our collective identity, the affirmation of our sovereignty, and our place in the world.

"The 50th anniversary of the creation of FALINTIL, which is solemnly celebrated today, is the greatest symbol of the armed resistance of the Timorese people and a pillar of our liberation."

"Timor-Leste's full accession to the WTO in 2024 and, on October 26 of this year, to ASEAN, consolidates our regional integration and our commitment to the principles of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity."

"The 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, celebrated on November 28, commemorates the founding moment of Timor-Leste's self-determination, even under occupation, and the vision of a free, just, and democratic state.

"These anniversaries are a concrete expression of our historical journey – from the struggle for independence to the construction of a sovereign state, embedded in an interdependent world, open to dialogue, and committed to sustainable human development."

"Not just a military fighting force; FALINTIL represents a true network of social and cultural solidarity. During the years of struggle, they continued to carry out essential work in their communities, operating clandestine schools to ensure the education of children in adverse conditions, the Armed Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) must continue to be a professional and disciplined institution, dedicated to defending territorial integrity, internal security and regional stability, in full alignment with the political and security pillars of ASEAN. In addition to its duty to protect the territory, the F-FDTL performs important operational functions in peacetime, always within the constitutional framework, when requested by legitimate elected authorities.

Furthermore, the Armed Forces must expand their civic actions through their engineering units, such as the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, rapid disaster response, strengthening community resilience, saving lives, and protecting property.

It is essential that the bond between military and civilian personnel continues to be strengthened to promote mutual trust, community cooperation, and inclusive sustainable development.

Support for international cooperation and exchanges with partner countries, ASEAN members, and other friendly countries remains a priority, to ensure continuous technical training and the modernization of our forces.

It is also the State's duty to maintain a firm and ongoing commitment to FALINTIL veterans and ex-combatants, in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to national independence. family."

"These social commitments are an integral part of our vision for an inclusive Timor-Leste, where those who served their country can live with dignity and continue to contribute to the nation's progress."

"Today, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the memory of the heroes and heroines who gave their lives for freedom. We must inspire our young people to inherit this legacy of courage, resilience, and love for the nation to ensure a future of peace, prosperity, and regional integration. A constructive spirit."

God bless us all!

F-FDTL Media Team