MANILA, Philippines – President Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that it is crucial to modernize the armed forces considering the state’s security in terms of calamities and terrorism.

“Updated defense systems will fortify the nation’s capabilities to provide humanitarian assistance and respond immediately in times of calamities and disasters,” Marcos said in a speech during a turnover of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) assets in Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

“It is for this reason, that we strengthen our country’s capabilities in territorial defense, counter-terrorism, and internal security,” he said.

The chief executive also stated that the military must be modernized to secure the nation’s vital infrastructure for business and government operations to run smoothly.

In a statement, Marcos Jr. noted the importance of continuing to arm and strengthen the country as much as it can to address the obstacles that terrorism presents and the global security threats spurred on by geopolitical conflicts.

Photo Credit: RTVM