Visaya thanks Duterte for vow to strengthen AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Ricardo R. Visaya thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for committing to fund the enlistment and training of 10,000 more military personnel by yearend. “With this manifest support of the President, it behooves the AFP to accomplish its mission of protecting the people and the State, securing its sovereignty and the integrity of the national territory.” Visaya said. Duterte made the assurance to military officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employee during his talk at the headquarters of 6th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Visaya also welcomed the President’s assurance that the modernization of the armed forces will continue under his term. There were concerns in military circles that the modernization program will not be a priority during the Duterte’s term. “There will even be no refocusing of modernization thrust, we will only adjust our priorities,” the President [...]