AFP chief, Swedish envoy discuss jet acquisition project, WPS issues

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and Sweden Ambassador Annika Thunborg discussed the country's plans to acquire multi-role fighters under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

AFP Public Affairs chief Lt.Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said Brawner and Thunborg also tackled recent developments in the West Philippine Sea during their meeting on Friday at the AFP general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"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," Ileto told the reporters.

During the meeting, Ileto said the two officials also 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 WPS.

Ileto said Brawner also expressed his hope that China will cease its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea as he insists that the "Philippines has a right to maintain the integrity of BRP Sierra Madre" situated in the Ayungin Shoal.

"The CSAFP said 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," he added.