President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday, June 28, led the 120th founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) reassuring the troops of his commitment to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In his speech, President Duterte vowed to provide soldiers with proper services through the modernization of their medical and defense equipment.

“I assure you of my loyalty to you and the best of the service that I can give you,” he said before the officials and members of his security group.

Prior to delivering his speech, President Duterte led the groundbreaking ceremony for new PSG Station Hospital Compound at the Malacañang Park.

He directed Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, who accompanied him during the event, to fast track the construction of the hospital and other pending acquisition of medical equipment for the military.

He likewise promised the soldiers that they will get the needed equipment for their hospital including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan and hyperbaric or decompression chamber.

“I want it 60 days, pati ‘yung ospital ninyo by December. You will get all these equipment, lahat,” he said.

Also in his speech, the President reiterated his commitment to defend Filipinos against all forms of threat, be it drug menace or terrorism.

“My order is, ‘If you destroy my country, I will destroy you. Be it drugs or terrorism,’” he said.

Amid the ongoing conflict between government troops and Maute rebels in Marawi City, the Chief Executive expressed assurance that he would continue to fulfill his Constitutional mandate of preserving the welfare of every Filipino.

“On terrorism. Well, they are not members of the Geneva Convention. They are just plain bandits, gangsters, and what they really want is just to kill. And if you want to destroy us, we will also destroy you,” he said.

The President stood by his order for the military to keep conducting counter attacks against Maute militants, who continue to wreak havoc in the Islamic city.

He, meanwhile, took the opportunity to apologize for the atrocities in Marawi saying that he has to declare martial law to quell terrorism in Mindanao.

“Let’s share your grief this afternoon. I’m very sorry that this has to happen. I do not like it, but I had to because that is my Constitutional duty. I would be violating the law if I allow this country to go to the dogs,” he said. ###PND