Duterte hails AFP as ‘best in the world, entire universe’

Despite severe limitations in resources and capacity, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the best in the world and the entire universe for President Rodrigo Duterte.

The President expressed his admiration for the Philippine military during the change of command ceremony at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Wednesday.

“Last na lang ako. Kung may pera pa maiwan, kung wala na… go by for the best Armed Forces of the world and of the universe,” Duterte said in his speech.

The AFP, usually listed as one of the weakest military forces in the world, got a significant budget increase under the Duterte administration, with the government allocating P140.4 billion in 2018.

The budget increase aims to boost the military’s capacity to counter the growing threat of terrorism in southern Philippines.

READ: Duterte vows to continue AFP modernization

Duterte led the turnover ceremony at the PSG welcoming Col. Jose Eriel Niembra as the new PSG chief.

Niembra replaced outgoing Commander Bgen. Lope Dagoy, who will head the 802nd Brigade Command in Leyte.

Prior to assuming his position, Niembra has served as Deputy Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group since 2016. He also served as the deputy commander of the Task Force Davao from 2009 to 2012.

Niembra, a highly decorated military officer, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991. /ee

READ: Duterte’s PSG head gets new post