(File photo) MANILA - The implementation of mandatory military service for Filipinos will help instill patriotism among citizens and help them contribute to nation-building efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday. "We welcome the proposal as this is attuned to the times while the government is faced with adversities and challenges, aligned with our aspirations for the citizenry to contribute to nation-building," AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala, said in a message to reporters. This is in support of the call of vice presidential bet, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, for mandatory military service for all Filipinos upon turning 18. Zagala said having mandatory military service would enable the AFP to create a strong manpower base. "Rendering mandatory military service will only help us to establish a base for strong armed forces, and therefore a strong nation," he said. The Department of National Defense (DND) also expressed support for th
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (CIO photo) MANILA - Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte on Wednesday night said her dream is to inspire patriotism among the youth and not to be "ungrateful" citizens like her fellow vice presidential candidate Walden Bello. Sara made the comment after Bello said the presidential daughter's remarks on mandatory military service for all Filipinos upon turning 18 years old "is a mask off moment for the dictator-in-waiting." "I truly hope that our youth do not grow up to be a Walden Bello - an ungrateful citizen who sleeps peacefully at the comfort of their homes, unable to say a prayer or a silent 'thank you' to the men and women who became martyrs while countering violent extremism, insurgency, and terrorism," Sara said in a press statement. During the UniTeam Alliance's virtual caravan on Wednesday, Sara said she will push for the imposition of mandatory military service for all 18 years old, male and female. "