MANILA–As President Rodrigo Duterte pledged more equipment and support for the military in the coming years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will continue fulfilling its mandate and will not fail the nation.
“The pronouncement by our Commander-in-Chief resonates with inspiration and gratitude from and poses a challenge to every Soldier, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines,” said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a message to the PNA Monday.
Duterte, during Sunday’s graduation ceremonies for the Philippine Military Academy’s Salaknib Class of 2017, said more modern military aircraft, sea vessels, and other equipment are forthcoming in the next two to three years to better patrol the country’s territory and combat security threats.
“In the next two to three years, the AFP will have flight simulators, radars, support, patrol and assault vehicles as well as new surveillance and fighter aircraft so that you can better patrol our borders and guard our seas,” the Chief Executive stressed.
With this pending arrivals, Arevalo said the morale of the AFP will be further boosted.
“The delivery of new ships, aircraft, and equipment will not only boost the morale and the capability of your armed forces, it will also redound to the benefit of the Filipino people and the nation whom we sworn to protect and defend with honor, service, patriotism,” he added.
“This gesture of support from the President also presents itself as a challenge to your AFP for it to measure up to the high expectations and meet steep standards of service and mission accomplishment. We will not fail our nation,” Arevalo emphasized.