President Duterte yesterday said he is hoping that the military will continue their support in his administration’s war against illegal drugs.
In his speech during the 120th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army, Duterte said the Army is vital in solving the country’s problems – chaos, terrorism, and drugs.
“It is not only the acts of chaos and terror that you must end. I trust that the Philippine Army and all branches of the military will continue to help us in our drive against illegal drugs,” he said.
“This is a serious call not only to you, but to all Filipinos, including your loved ones, whose lives may be affected or lost, if you will not help resolve it,” he added.
According to Duterte, without the Army, the government will not be able to eradicate the “ills of society that have been crippling” its development for a long time.
“The Philippines will truly be a harmonious and a progressive nation with you – our soldiers – as our country’s vanguards of peace, freedom and justice,” he said.
Duterte then assured the army that his administration will sure that they will be at comfort while doing their duties to protect the country.
“As we continue to face both perennial and fresh security challenges, this administration guarantees that our soldiers are well provided with the necessary training, equipment and benefits before they go into war,” he said.
The President added that in line with the modernization program on the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the government has been providing telecommunication apparatus and fire power and infantry fighting vehicles to the army.
“This was among the priority initiatives we immediately undertook when I assumed the presidency in July last year,” he said.
Duterte then said they have allocated P6.5 billion for Philippine Army projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Plan. This will be used to procure individual equipment such as rifles, pistols, grenade launchers and force protection armors.
He also said he signed an Executive Order last September, 2016 which increases the combat pay for all members of the AFP from P500 to P3,000 per month and their combat incentive pay from P150 to P300 per day. (Argyll Geducos)