Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) plans and programs chief of staff, Major General Restituto Padilla, Jr. recently noted modernization of the military is a priority for the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He revealed P25 billion has been set aside for the military modernization program, which has been on the books since 1995, however, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency, the program’s progress has been “at [a] snail pace because of budgetary constraints.”

Padilla said the president’s attention to the matter is “long overdue” and identified some of the target items include new attack helicopters and tanks.

The Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), based at Camp General Macario Peralta, Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz, recently installed a new commander, Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina. His predecessor, Major General Jon Aying, retired last December 31./PLL, WDJ