RP leader vows to update military<\/p>\n
MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Joseph Estrada pledged on
\nTuesday to modernize the country's ill-equipped armed forces and
\nprotect the country's territories, including a disputed chain of
\nSouth China Sea islands.<\/p>\n
"We will preserve our constitution and preserve our
\nterritorial integrity. We will not shirk, or quit by default,
\nfrom our responsibility of defending our sovereignty and
\nstrategic maritime interests," Estrada said in a speech marking
\nthe 63rd anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.<\/p>\n
Estrada said he was counting on the military leadership to
\n"professionalize its officers and ranks" and he promised "support
\nto upgrade military and weaponry to enable our AFP (Armed Forces
\nof the Philippines) to address the present day challenges at all
\ncost."<\/p>\n
The Philippines' armed forces is considered one of the weakest
\nin the region, with most of its firearms and equipment dating
\nback to World War II.<\/p>\n
An ambitious 331 billion peso ($8.3 billion) military
\nmodernization program was shelved this year due to the regional
\neconomic crisis.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/rp-leader-vows-to-update-military-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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