Pres. Rodrigo Duterte wants the AFP to be prepared before fighting the ASG.
President Rodrigo Duterte assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that they shall acquire modern and quality equipment to enhance their capability in engaging in war.
As the president spoke to the men and women of the 3rd Infantry Division in Roxas City, Capiz on Friday, he told the soldiers that they have to prepare for terrorism because it is up by two to three years from now.
He warned that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is likely to duplicate the style of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and sooner or later, the AFP would face them in a battlefield.
“Just in case.. talagang we’ll have terrorism but just about.. prepare for that two to three years from now. ISIS pati yung style of.. you know.. because we have to deal with Abu Sayyaf one of these days”, Duterte said.
When we are prepared here, when I think that I have already in my arms, the things that they would need, to fight a war correctly and accurately, we have to go there and fight”, he added.
The commander-in-chief admitted that the ASG has the advantage in a battle to happen in mountainous areas because they know the terrain and so the soldiers have to be equipped with proper and sufficient armaments to be able to win in warfare.
Last Wednesday, President Duterte promised soldiers that around P500 million will soon be released for “state-of-the-art” military equipment and a new building for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center.
“What Secretary Diokno gave you is about half a billion and it will be released soon,” said Duterte as he spoke to soldiers, patients, and military doctors at the AFP Medical Center.
Duterte said Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who was present at the event, already agreed to the release of the funds.
“Magpasalamat tayo kay Secretary Diokno, ibinigay niya ho lahat ang gusto ninyo na mga equipment”, said Duterte as the soldiers showed their appreciation through applause.
