Marcos again vows to modernize AFP amid West PH Sea threats

CNN Philippines

As threats in the West Philippine Sea persist President Marcos again vows to modernize the Armed Forces.  Senior correspondent David Santos has this story.   Visit our website for more #NewsYouCanTrust: https://www.cnnphilippines.com/  Follow our social media pages:  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnnphilippines/ • Twitter: https://twitter.com/cnnphilippines

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00:00 Another year of triumphs, significant reforms and surmounting challenges for the armed forces.

00:08 As the military commemorates its 88th year on Thursday, the nation, led by the Commander-in-Chief,

00:14 paying tribute to the gallantry and heroism of the soldiers.

00:18 From the different operational campaigns against rebel and armed groups to responding to disasters

00:24 here and abroad.

00:25 The biggest challenge the AFP is facing so far, having to confront external security

00:31 threats, particularly in defending the nation's territorial integrity.

00:35 The President praising troops on the front lines of the West Philippine Sea for serving

00:40 as a voice of reason and showing "responsible and dignified behavior", a stark contrast

00:47 to China's recurring aggressions.

00:49 Recent incidents involving no less than our AFP Chief of Staff is worrisome.

00:54 Yes, but it is a proud demonstration of Filipino courage against coercion and our firm resolve

01:02 to protect, preserve and uphold our territorial integrity.

01:08 We stand at the pivotal juncture where enhancing our military capabilities becomes not just

01:16 an option but a strategic imperative.

01:20 Thus, the AFP will continuously strengthen the reserve force, hand in hand with our regular

01:29 force as we sustain our territorial defense operations, adapt innovation by building a

01:38 strong presence in the cyber realm with establishment of the AFP Cyber Command.

01:46 Amid a modest display of its new hardware and equipment, the Commander-in-Chief vowing

01:53 the administration's full support to the AFP modernization program.

01:57 The President also urging the AFP to continue working with allied nations in order to fill

02:02 gaps in its defense capabilities.

02:05 I likewise enjoin the AFP to enhance existing alliances and partnerships with your foreign

02:13 counterparts.

02:14 Let us continue to explore so that we may forge new partnerships based on common goals,

02:21 common values and at the same time advancing the national interest.

02:26 The AFP also had to hurdle administrative issues within the organization including the

02:31 promotion of its personnel and the pension pay of its retirees.

02:35 All of these were eventually resolved.

02:39 The President also announcing increasing the monthly allowance for Medal of Valor awardees

02:44 just the way he says to honor the troops for their sacrifices in serving the nation.

02:49 David Santos, CNN Philippines.

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