Saturday, August 30, 2008
Villar seeks review of AFP modernization program
SENATE President Manuel Villar Jr. on Friday called for a review of the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program as he extended assistance to families of soldiers who perished in the Mindanao conflict.
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Villar cited the need for the said review in Iligan City where he gave financial aid of P10,000 each to the families of at least 11 slain soldiers.
The assistance from Villar totaling P110,000 was received by Major General Nehemias Pajarito, commanding general of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division.
The lawmaker said he wants to know the current status of the modernization program and the obstacles to its implementation so that the Senate can take appropriate action in terms of appropriating the necessary funds.
He also urged the government to advance the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of places affected by the strife in the South, stressing that local governments needed resources to aid refugees and rebuild structures destroyed by rebel pillaging.
Villar said the towns need money “to care for the wounded, aid the displaced, bury the dead, rebuild homes, heal psychological wounds, construct damaged public infrastructure, and other things needed to restore normalcy.”
During his visit to Mindanao, Villar also gave donations to affected residents in Iligan, Marawi, Kulambugan, Kauswagan, and Ozamiz consisting of 20,000 tetra packs of chocolate drinks, noodles and blankets.
Villar likewise provided eight comfort rooms for the use of evacuees. (Press release) For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (August 30, 2008 issue)
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