Duterte to modernize AFP equipment

MANILA, Philippines - President Rodrigo Duterte has assured the people that he would continue the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

"It’s about time that we talk seriously about our sovereignty," Duterte said during his speech Tuesday evening at the Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base.

He revealed that several countries offered to provide modern equipment for the military.

According to him, he proposed buying weapons and armaments from suppliers which he finds more useful than fighter jets.

"We can buy the arms where they are cheap and where there are no strings attached and it is transparent," Duterte said, directing military commanders to study first the equipment to be purchased.

The president said there are two countries which agreed to provide the "softest" loan, payable in 2025. 

Aside from military weapons, Duterte said he would also approve the extension of quarters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF). 

Funds would be provided for the repair of the barracks and the rotary door railing, including the establishment of new building with centralized medical facilities for AFP, PAF and the Philippine National Police.

"All in all, I give you almost half a billion and I hope that it would improve the services to the soldiers," Duterte said.

"Ibibigay ko sa lahat sa inyo ‘yung kailangan ninyo para talunin ‘yung kalaban. You can be sure of that," he added.