President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. has assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of the continuity of an aggressive military modernization program in the next six years.

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said the additional equipment will be of big in the move and shoot capability of the military, especially for the ground troopers who are still in the frontline of operations against insurgency problems in the country that include communist rebels and the remaining armed groups in Mindanao.

The same equipment, he said, will boost the military's external defense.

"Some procurement have already been processed and we expect the delivery of big items that will modernize and we will make, equip, the afp more capable in performing its mission," said Aguilar during the Laging Handa briefing.

But aside from procurement of military hardware, Aguilar said the new AFP chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro is also prioritizing the morale and welfare of the ground troopers.

"The he armed forces will continue to prioritize healthcare system for our soldiers. We will have the mental health system because the stress of performing our job especially in combat areas," said Aguilar.

"At the same time we will also sustain the comprehensive social benefit program for the family of our soldiers. Actually there is already existing systems and processes that are being followed to make sure that the benefit of our soldiers and their dependents are properly taken care of," he added.