New AFP chief Bacarro eyes careful monitoring of modernization projects

Newly installed Armed Forces chief Lieutenant General Bartolome Vicente Bacarro on Monday said he wants modernization projects to be monitored carefully.

In his speech during the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Bacarro said the resources of the government are now stretched to the limit due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Given our country’s continuing struggle to overcome the health, economic…effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, no one can deny that government resources are currently stretched to the limit,” he said.

“Aligned with our modernization efforts, we will carefully monitor our acquisition based on upgrade tranche. We will facilitate this new and upcoming capabilities ensuring that the delivery and related processes are followed to the dot,” he added.

Bacarro said that over the years, the AFP has been successful in doing its mission with “what was allocated to us.”

Bacarro took over the top military post from General Andres Centino.

In July, Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. said all AFP modernization projects are under review. He said a new list of projects will be resubmitted to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his approval.

The DND is also seeking a congressional review on the Revised AFP Modernization Program (RAFPMP).

Aside from improving capabilities and optimizing resources, Bacarro said his visions as the new AFP chief include professionalism, sustaining accomplishments, and excellence.

Marcos, the military’s commander in chief, presided over the turnover ceremony. — RSJ, GMA News