Manila, Sept. 24 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday proposed to increase the number of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel to at least 220,000.

In an interview on ANC, Teodoro said this could be done gradually through a 10-year program.

"Kailangan siguro meron tayong 10-year program na gradual increase, maka-220,000 lang tayo okay na ako. Or to 250,000 (We need maybe a 10-year program for this gradual increase. I'm okay if we reach 220,000 or 250,000)," he said.

At present, Teodoro said the AFP's strength is placed at around 160,000 troops spread into the three major services: Army, Navy and Air Force.

Teodoro said the proposed increase in troops aims to address the lack of ...