From Rappler (Jul 31, 2021): New AFP chief eyes 'self-reliant defense' approach for PH
Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr says he wants to establish a Center for Self-Reliant Defense Posture to 'protect the country's interests from foreign control and promote limited dependence and outside support for our defense requirements'
Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr. formally assumed office as the 56th chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday, July 31.
Faustino took his oath in a change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. He succeeded short-termed Cirilito Sobejana, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Saturday.
In a speech, Faustino said he aims to strengthen the military's defense posture to better address the country's "internal and external security issues."
"I wish to establish a Center for Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) which shall protect the country's interests from foreign control and promote limited dependence and outside support for our defense requirements," he said.
"Self-reliance on our country's defense manufacturing capabilities coupled with the full utilization of our own natural resources will be the foundation of our SRDP program," he added.
Faustino also proposed the establishment of a unit that would zero in on violent extremism in the Philippines.
"The [Center for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism] will provide a holistic, interdisciplinary, collaborative, community-based, preventive approach to study, document, and quantify the nature and magnitude of threat factors that contribute to the radicalization of some of our countrymen," he added.
Faustino once led the Davao-based Eastern Mindano Command, which focused on its crackdown against communist rebels under his leadership.
Faustino only has a few months to work on his ambitious suggestions, as he is set to retire in November.
Ex-army chief Faustino named AFP chief of staff, 10th under Duterte
Faustino is the 10th military chief chosen by President Rodrigo Duterte, who often appoints those who are nearing retirement.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/afp-jose-faustino-jr-eyes-self-reliant-defense-approach-philippines
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