DND: Several nations offered to sell military equipment to Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - An official of the Department of Defense revealed that many countries are interested in selling military equipment to the Philippines, according to a report.

"Actually, many countries are offering to provide us with what we need to modernize our AFP. But we have to follow a process," Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said.

Manalo noted that those countries have to follow Republic Act 9184 or "An Act Providing For The Modernization, Standardization And Regulation Of The Procurement Activities Of The Government And For Other Purposes."

The Defense official, however, did not name the nations who have offered to sell military equipment to the country.

READ: US, Russia, Australia, South Korea want more defense equipment for Philippines

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier said that the administration of President Benigno Aquino III has provided sufficient budget to support the AFP's modernization.

This follows the military's recent acquisition of new assets such as the South Korean-made FA-50PHs, AgustaWestland attack AW-109E helicopters, Bell 205 combat utility helicopters, Airbus Military C-295 transport aircraft, new M-4 rifles and refurbished armored personnel carriers. - Patricia Lourdes Viray

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