Duterte building a strong military

40,000 more troops eyed; 1271.9 B being set aside for security, public order

President Duterte has decided to save money to build a stronger Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defeat the threat of terrorism and rebellion.

He announced government plans to hire 40,000 more troops and acquire drones and other equipment to efficiently address “future threats” to the nation’s security.

“I would need about 35,000 to 40,000 to meet the future threats coming our way from within and outside the country,” the President said in

a media interview after delivering his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) in Congress last Monday.

“We must have a strong Republic to withstand all threats and challenges. Today’s reality demands, necessitates an Armed Forces that is strong. Ang gawin ko sa pera muna (What I would do with the money) is I will build a credible Armed Forces that can fight at all fronts everywhere,” he said.

1271.9 B for security Aside from troop recruitment, the government is setting aside 1271.9 billion to protect the country’s security, public order and safety as well as guard territorial waters under the proposed 2018 national budget.

President Duterte has proposed the allocation of 1140.4 billion to further enhance military capability against security threats, and another 1131.5 billion to boost the police crackdown against illegal drugs and crimes.

The proposed 13.767-trillion national budget was submitted by the President to Congress shortly after delivering his SONA.

“We will allocate 1140.4 billion to beef up the military capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” the President said in his budget message.

“Of the amount, 125 billion is for the Revised AFP Modernization Program to fund the procurement of armaments, surveillance, mobility, and communications equipment necessary to maintain peace and order,” he added.

Duterte said the Philippine Coast Guard will also be given 13.1 billion to upgrade its abilities to cover the country’s territorial waters and coastlines. “The bulk of this will go to the procurement of service weapons and service firearms (1922 million), one helicopter (1686 million), and watercraft (1682 million),” he said.

On intensifying the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) law enforcement and operations, the President said he has increased the budget to 1131.5 billion for 2018, from the 111.8 billion this year.

“The Administration commits to further strengthen efforts in ridding communities of illegal drugs and crime,” he said.

Of the amount, 11.4 billion would bankroll the hiring of 10,000 new police- men from the current 194,410 police officers. It also seeks to increase police visibility and attain the police to population ratio of 1:500.

“Another 1900 million will fund Oplan Double Barrel Reloaded, the Administration’s campaign flagship program against illegal drugs,” the President said.

Duterte admitted that the country was in “troubled and uncertain times” amid the persistent threat posed by the Islamic State and the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Aside from recruiting more soldiers, Duterte said he would start to “rearm” the government troops and enhance their combat skills training.

More planes, drones

The commander-in-chief said he intends to buy “high-altitude planes” and drones to help soldiers defeat terrorists and insurgents. He noted that he intends to accept two aircraft offered to the government.

“I will prepare my Armed Forces on war footing kasi may giyera (because there is a war),” he said.

“You can expect after two years a very strong Armed Forces. I will buy all the equipment,” he added.

The President bared plans on strengthening the military’s security capability after halting the peace negotiations with the communist rebels over their recent attacks on troops.

Duterte said he was ready to resume the fighting with the communist rebels once the Marawi crisis is over. Troops have been battling with IS-linked militants holed up in Marawi for more than two months now.

“No more talks,” the President said frustrated with the insincerity of the rebels in the peace process following their treacherous attacks against several soldiers and policemen.

In high spirits With Duterte commitment and support, the AFP said the spirit of the soldiers currently fighting the ISIS-inspired Maute Group has been uplifted.

As this developed, the military said that the number of Maute terrorists killed in more than two months of fighting in Marawi City has already reached 453.

Captain Jo-Ann D. Petinglay, spokesman of the AFP Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said soldiers of the Joint Task Force Marawi watched the 2nd SONA of the Chief Executive were happy on what they heard.

Petinglay said soldiers were happy upon hearing President Duterte vowing to strengthen the capability of the Armed Forces and help the people of Marawi City in the midst of the all-out military offensives against the Daesh-inspired group in the city

“The President’s statement of support to the AFP uplifted the morale of the troops and left them more motivated and determined in fulfilling their mandate to protect the country’s sovereignty, including the liberation of Marawi City from terror,” Petinglay said

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the statement of President Duterte that he is solidly behind the military will greatly encourage every personnel to do their best and carry out their constitutional duties.

During his SONA, the President said that he is solidly behind soldiers, especially those assigned in Marawi City currently battling Maute Group terrorists.

“Never fear, do your duty, I will stand by you,” Duterte said in his speech

“I am reiterating my support to soldiers and police force. Those who are risking their lives for our country, I have your back,” he stressed. (With a report from Francis T. Wakefield)