Military upgrade not to rise tension in Asia: Aquino

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - President Benigno Aquino III said today that his government's efforts to modernize the military is not aimed at increasing tension in Asia.

Aquino made the remarks when addressing the opening of the first Asian Defense, Security, and Crisis Management (ADAS) Exhibition 2014 held in Pasay City, in the country's capital region of Metro Manila.

ADAS features 130 foreign suppliers of goods and services that address the needs of a country for defense, security, peace and order, disaster readiness, and crisis management.

"Lest anyone accuse us of shifting to a more militaristic position, I must emphasize: Our efforts seek to modernize the capabilities of our security sector 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."

The Philippines, which is involved in a territorial dispute with China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei over several islands in the South China Sea, has been continuously upgrading the facilities and equipment of the military.

Since he assumed office in 2010, Aquino said the government has spent P40 billion ($917.53 million) to fund the military's modernization program.

The money was used to acquire two Hamilton Class Cutters vessels, eight Sokol Combat Utility Helicopters, three AW-109 naval helicopters, four refurbished UH-1 helicopters, and the landing craft utility ship, and 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets-two of which will be delivered next year.

Aquino said the government also purchased 50,629 units of new M4 caliber 5.56mm rifles which will be delivered and distributed by the end of the year.

He said the government is set to acquire an additional 12,657 M4s more rifles by next year.

The Philippine military will also get 17 more refurbished UH-1 helicopters, eight more combat utility helicopters, two long-range patrol aircraft, six close-air support aircraft, two anti- submarine helicopters, two frigates, and three full missile capable multi-purpose attack crafts.

Aquino said members of the government's security forces need these equipment so they can better fulfill their mandate of ensuring the public's safety from internal and external threats and secure communities, rescue those in immediate danger and deliver relief goods in times of calamity.