Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur
August 10, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talked to men of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division (1ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) at the Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

In his speech, the President reiterated his plan to meet the needs of the military, such as improving their equipment and weaponry, converting the presidential plane into an air ambulance, and increasing their salary within the year.

He also said that he would reinvent the wounded soldiers confined in the station hospitals by engaging them in other activities.

Furthermore, the President expressed his abhorrence towards the rampant illegal drug trade and transactions, as well as the high number of those involved in illegal drug activities that reached up to 600,000.

He concluded by urging the men to do their duty based on loyalty to the flag.

“We maintain the loyalty to the government, not to me. And we work in unity,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

After the talk, the men and women of 1ID had their photo opportunity with the President.

Among the notable officials who accompanied President Duterte were National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya, and PA Commanding General Eduardo Año.

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