Manila, Sept. 7 -- Civilian employees of the Department of National Defense (DND) also have a role in building up the country's credible deterrent posture, a ranking defense official said on Monday.

"We have a role to play in building our country's strong deterrent posture that will allow us to, as Secretary (Gilberto) Teodoro (Jr.) said, 'deal with a position of relative parity with dignity and with honor,'" DND Undersecretary for Administration Gavin Edjawan said as the agency kicks off the month-long celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Edjawan represented the DND chief during the event, where he highlighted the "crucial role of civilian personnel in performing the agen...