AFP modernization
ADMITTEDLY, the Philippines, as an archipelago, needs ships and submarines to effectively address territorial defense threats.
Actually, this Southeast Asian country of 120 million people, mostly English-speaking, is composed of more than 7,000 islands.
Aware of this, the government plans to acquire more anti-ship missile systems and two submaries to upgrade the military’s defense capability.
The administration of President Marcos is determined to pursue the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The AFP modernization program is aimed at upgrading the capabilities of the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Navy (PN) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Under the modernization program, the AFP will purchase new military equipment, airplanes, including fighter jets, warships and submarines.
“Kailangan natin ang mga makabagong kagamitan kasi hindi sa lahat ng oras ay nandiyan ang mga kaalyado nating bansa para tulungan tayo,” said a former miliutary official.
“Mabuti na yong may kakayahan tayong ipagtanggol ang ating bayan,” according to the retired military officer.
We agree with AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner when he noted China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Brawner also noted the increasing number of Chinese vessels in the natural resources-rich WPS.
Without doubt, pursuing the AFP modernization program is a move in the right direction.
