CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City—General Romeo Brawner Jr, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP), emphasized the role of the multi-role fighter (MRF) project under the Revised AFP Modernization Program during the courtesy visit of the Sweden Ambassador Annika Thunborg to the General Headquarters on September 8.
"The CSAFP and Ambassador Thunborg discussed the acquisition of multi-role fighters and the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea. The ambassador likewise expressed that Sweden stands firmly behind the Philippines in the protection of its territory and territorial integrity as well as the international rules-based order and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” LtCol Enrico Gil Ileto, Chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said.
During their meeting, the two discussed the modernization of the AFP and the role of like-minded nations both in building a credible armed force for the Philippines and in pursuing the rules-based international order in the West Philippine Sea.
In their exchanges, General Brawner Jr also expressed his hope that China will cease its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and that the Philippines has a right in maintaining the integrity of BRP Sierra Madre.
“The CSAFP said that the AFP will not allow China to dictate on us on what we want to do in that post that has become a symbol of our dedication to our mandate as protector of the people and the state and our commitment to our soldiers who are stationed there,” LtCol Ileto added.
(Photo by TSg Obinque/PAO, AFP)
