Phl wants AFP modernization, not arms race - PNoy

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino on Thursday said there is no slowing down in modernizing the armed forces but clarified that the upgrade efforts are not meant to stir tensions in the region.

Speaking during the opening of the Asian Defense, Security and Crisis Management Exhibition (ADAS) in Pasay, Aquino said the government would seize every opportunity to make the military – regarded as one of the weakest in the region – more efficient.

“All that we have achieved in this sector is not only because of our all-out support for our troops, but also because we are guaranteeing companies a level-playing field–that our decisions will be made based on which bid offers maximum benefit to our troops for the best possible price,” the President said.

“Clearly, if this event is any indication, we have no plans of slowing down,” he added.

Aquino, however, clarified that the Philippines, which is embroiled in a territorial dispute with China, is not shifting toward a more militaristic position.

“I must emphasize: Our efforts seek to modernize the capabilities of our security sector is to address the needs in human disaster response arenas and for our own internal defense,” he said.

“None of these actions are meant to increase tensions in the region; rather, they are meant to address our domestic problems and issues.”

Aquino went on to discuss the government’s move to upgrade the military’s capabilities, which he claimed, had been neglected for a long time.

He said his administration has released more than P40 billion to modernize the armed forces, higher than the P26-billion disbursed by the previous leadership in a span of almost 10 years.

Aquino mentioned the acquisition of two Hamilton-class warships BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, eight Sokol combat utility helicopters, three AW-109 naval helicopters, four refurbished UH-1 helicopters and the BRP Tagbanua, the first locally-built landing craft utility ship. 

The President also cited the purchase of 50,629 units of M4 Caliber 5.56mm rifles, which, he claimed, had enabled the government to save P1.2 billion.

The military is also expecting the delivery of 17 refurbished UH-1 helicopters, eight combat utility helicopters, two long-range patrol aircraft, six close-air support aircraft, two anti-submarine helicopters, two frigates, three full missile capable multi-purpose attack craft, and 12 FA-50 50 lead-in fighter trainer jets, the biggest item in its shopping list

“We also have very good reason to be excited for what is to come,” Aquino said.

Aquino served as the guest of honor of ADAS 2014, the first defense and security exhibition to be held in the Philippines for more than 15 years.

The exhibit featured 130 international companies from 16 different countries and covered latest technologies and systems, equipment and services that can address the needs of the military, disaster management and other security agencies.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the event has highlighted the Philippines as “a potential growth market” for international defense, security, and crisis management industries and products.

“ADAS 2014, through its international exhibitors, will allow our agencies to take a real look at the defense, security, and disaster management products and services and for us to be able to determine our genuine requirements,” he said.