Navy personnel acting as ushers, carry umbrellas to escort guests as BRP Tarlac, the first ever SSV (Strategic Sealift Vessel) of the Philippine Navy, is docked upon arrival following a two-week voyage from Indonesia Monday, May 16, 2016 at the South Harbor in Manila, Philippines. The BRP Tarlac will have a crew of not less than 500 and will be used in various military and non-military operations including humanitarian assistance and disaster and relief operations. AP Photo/Bullit Marquez
A military official said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is bent on allocating its budget on modernization rather than spending it to wage war against fellow Filipinos.
Col. Casiano Monilla, 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) deputy commander, said the budget will instead be used to buy more firearms and other military equipment that will be used for the country's external defense.
His statement came as the framework for the resumption of peace talks between the communists and incoming president Rodrigo Duterte's administration is still being laid out
"The national budget will then be utilized to modernize the AFP and to train [and] orient personnel for external defense," Monilla told reporters during the AFP-PNP (Philippine National Police) press conference held at the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) last Wednesday morning.
Monilla, who served in Mindanao's rebel-controlled areas for decades, lauded Duterte's intention to have lasting peace in the country.
He also expressed his support to Duterte's plan to release "political prisoners." He said it is necessary to address the AFP's competency by improving its military's capability.
"I have longed for a form of government that will embrace all ideas basta iisa lang ang Armed Forces," he said.
He added that the AFP will be among the firsts to express their gratitude once the peace talks with the communist groups resume.
"Napakaganda kung ang left groups na ating kausap ay magiging well-meaning din sa kanilang sasabihin with the government," he said.
He added, "Sana mangyari na (peace) so we could as well live with the mandate of the country: to serve and protect its people, all Filipinos."
Monilla assured that the AFP will continue to abide by their commands.
"Our soldiers were taught to really follow the duly-constituted authorities, the law, and even the decision of the people entrusted to govern us," he concluded.
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