Manila, Aug. 13 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has moved portions of its drone development program into the testing stage, with plans to eventually integrate unmanned systems being developed across the military services.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete disclosed the progress Thursday during the Commission on Appointments' deliberation on his ad interim appointment, as lawmakers explored how the military could strengthen its capabilities for modern warfare.

"Meron po, sir. Meron. But this is being tested (We have some, sir. But these are being tested)," he told Senator Panfilo Lacson when asked whether the AFP already had practical drone capabilities beyond research and development.

Nafarrete said research and d...