President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, Marcos also vowed to continue to improve and modernize the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Patuloy tayo sa pagpapatibay ng ating kapulisan at Sandatahang Lakas. Ang mga armamento, sasakyang pandigma, at sandata ng ating kapulisan at Sandatahang Lakas ay patuloy na nadaragdagan, angkop sa layuning at komprehensibong pagtatanggol ng ating mga kapuluan (We will continue beefing our police and armed forces. There will be more and improved armaments, combat vehicles, weapons to make them more capable of comprehensively defending our islands),” Marcos said.

The President likewise said thousands of insurgents who used to fight the government have already surrendered to authorities and rejoined the mainstream society to be reunited with their loved ones.

With the help of the private sector, Marcos said the communities of these former insurgents are now being developed.

“Naglalatag na tayo ng mga daan, patubig, at marangal na hanapbuhay (We have been constructing roads, irrigations and decent sources of livelihood for these communities),” Marcos said.

Aside from livelihood programs, the President said the government had already constructed health stations, classrooms, water systems, and street lights that already benefited some 13 million Filipinos who have been saved or removed from conflict.

Marcos noted that the country has no more guerrilla groups and that the government will see to it that none will be formed again. (PNA)