DND eyes new C-130 planes

MANILA, Philippines - In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, the government is eyeing the acquisition of additional C-130 cargo planes – the workhorse in the relief effort. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, meanwhile, wants P1.5 billion allocated for the repair of three C-130 planes of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

“The recent tragic events have proven one indisputable point: C-130s are essential transport,” Recto said.  “They should be high up on the list of disaster response equipment. Their purchase should be part of disaster preparation.” 

Based on PAF estimates, the cost of refurbishing one C-130 would reach P500 million.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said only two of the three planes are involved in relief efforts since one of them is undergoing maintenance.

“In terms of strategic lift, the C-130 is very important to us,” he said.

“You have seen how these planes were used. They were used during calamities. We need more (assets) and we will try to acquire more as resources allow us.”

PAF would be happy to have nine C-130 planes  to airlift personnel and delivery supplies to mission areas, Bautista said.

The government will also spend P4 billion to acquire two strategic sealift vessels for transporting a large number of soldiers, logistics equipment and supplies.

It has also allotted P814 million for two light fixed-wing aircraft for territorial defense and internal security.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the plan is to acquire light lift fixed-wing aircraft able to operate in any environment and provide organic general support for territorial defense, internal peace and security plan, internal security operations, disaster response and national development

Plane wreckage found

Fishermen found last Saturday the wreckage of a PAF bomber that crashed in waters off Palawan five months ago.

In a text message to reporters, Lt. Cheryl Tindog, Armed Forces Western Command (Wescom) spokesman, said the plane was  found lying on the seabed 8.1 kilometers off Puerto Princesa City.

The bodies of the two pilots, Maj. Jonathan Ibanez and Lt. Abner Trust Nacion, have yet to be located. 

Buoys and markers were installed in the area where the plane’s wreckage was found, Tindog said. – With Marvin Sy, Jaime Laude