Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says he will build a military over the next two years that could fight on all fronts by recruiting up to 40,000 soldiers and buying planes and drones to tackle communist and Islamist rebels.
Duterte said security on Monday threats had increased in the Philippines and the military needed more troops and more modern equipment to meet those challenges.
"Today's demand necessitates an army that is strong," he told reporters.
"I will build an armed forces that can fight all fronts everywhere."
He said he was prepared to "wait it out" before retaking Marawi City from Islamic State-inspired rebels holed up there for two months because protecting civilians and hostages in the conflict zone was of paramount importance.
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