Manila, Dec. 19 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has assured the public of the Filipino soldiers' commitment to defend the country as its modernization pushes through.

"Every new capability, every system acquired, every skill learned serves a single purpose: to ensure that the Filipino soldier is prepared to defend the nation today and tomorrow. This responsibility is not only shared by those in uniform, but by every Filipino," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said during the military's 90th anniversary celebration Friday.

Brawner said this is important as the AFP now operates in a security environment that is more complex, more demanding, and more interconnected than ever before.

"Our march forward, our march toward progre...