On AFP anniversary, Duterte honors soldiers for role in pandemic fight, calamity response

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte paid tribute to the military for their role in the country’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic and response to the recent spate of typhoons as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) marked its 85th anniversary on Monday.

In a speech delivered via teleconference, Duterte emphasized how soldiers “fought proudly at the frontlines alongside our valiant health workers” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Your crucial role in the crafting of the National Action Plan Against COVID-19 was complemented by the deployment of military personnel at various quarantine and swabbing facilities and local communities to help curb the spread of the virus,” Duterte said.

“Sadly, this year we also saw our country ravaged by numerous typhoons and other natural calamities. In the middle of these disasters, you bravely shielded our people from harm and helped them rise above the ruins, risking your lives in the process,” he added.

The natural disasters, calamities, and global pandemic faced by the country “underscored the need to make the AFP even more responsive to the most challenging of situations,” Duterte said as he reiterated his commitment to pursue the full implementation of the AFP Modernization Program.

“We will continue to enhance your skills through capacity building initiatives and the procurement of modern equipment that will enable you to fulfill your mandate with the highest degree of expertise and professionalism,” the President said.

Duterte has been known for his penchant to depend on the military and police even for civilian tasks. In a speech in July, he admitted that the “backbone” of his government is the uniformed personnel.

Noticeably, retired generals are leading the government’s pandemic response. Duterte even ordered the soldiers to lead the distribution of the coronavirus vaccines once they become available. [ac]