President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the launching of the newly-renovated Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Museum during the 89th AFP Anniversary Day on Friday.
The AFP Museum, which will soon open to the public, features various types of military weaponry from cannons and rifles to tanks and helicopters.
Among those displayed in the museum include a US M2 105mm Howitzer, a37mm Japanese anti-tank gun, 106mm US recoilless cannon, Huey helicopter, MD 500 attack helicopter, US M41 Light Tank, and vintage presidential troop review vehicle.
Old rifles, pistols and bladed weapons from Mindanao are also on display at the museum.
Also being featured at the museum is the “Bongbong Rocket” which was developed and test fired during the administration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
The rocket was conceptualized as the Philippines tried to develop indigenous weapons for the AFP to wean itself from importing defense equipment.
The AFP traces its origins to the Philippine Revolutionary Army established on March 22, 1897, during the country’s struggle for independence from Spain.
In 1901, the United States, the Philippines’ colonial master at that time, formed the Philippine Constabulary to maintain peace and suppress the remnants of revolutionary movements.
The modern AFP was formally established during the Commonwealth era through the National Defense Act of 1935 championed by the late president Manuel L. Quezon.
This year’s anniversary carries the theme: AFP @ 89: Sandigan ng Sambayanan Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. (PCO)
