Duterte pledges to take care of soldiers during term

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)

DAVAO CITY — President Duterte on Wednesday assured soldiers they would be well taken care of during his administration.

“I assure you as long as I am President of this country, you would not be treated as second class,” Mr. Duterte told troops during his visit to the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade in Malungon town, Sarangani province.

The President, who led in the awarding of medals to six soldiers who had fought against communist rebels in the province recently, also thanked the troops for their service to the nation, highlighting the continuing efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in liberating Marawi City from local and foreign terrorists.

Mr. Duterte also reiterated his pledge to upgrade the soldiers’ weapons and other equipment, vowing to acquire modern and quality military hardware.

“I would never accept a hand-me-down. Ayoko magbili tayo ng (I would not allow that we buy) second hand,” the President said.  SFM