DND mulls PAF, PN bases in Subic

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 14): DND mulls PAF, PN bases in Subic

The Department of National Defense (DND) is looking at the possible use of Subic facilities for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Navy, citing the former United States naval base’s suitability to accommodate modern acquisitions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia were scheduled to meet yesterday to discuss the plan utilization of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority facilities in Subic, Zambales by the military. During an interview on Monday, the 73rd anniversary of the DND, Gazmin cited the advantages of the Subic International Airport for the use of the Air Force and the Navy following acquisition of modern military hardware. “What are the benefits? We will not longer have to construct a runway that is suited for fighter aircraft. It’s not only the airport that we can utilize, the Navy can use a portion for the big ships,” he said. Presently, the DND is planning to buy 12 jetfighters for the ongoing capability upgrade of the AFP. Gazmin also cited the arrival of the Navy’s second Hamilton-class cutter — to be named BRP Ramon Alcaraz — from the United States this coming February. The first high-endurance cutter — BRP Gregorio del Pilar – was turned over last year. “So, we will have two big ships that cannot be accommodated in Cavite, we need a deeper wharf so that our ships will not be stalled,” he said. Relatedly, Gazmin said the DND has submitted its counter-proposal for the acquisition of the missile-firing frigate “Maestrale” from Italy. He, however, stressed that nothing was final. “We are looking at that very seriously,” he said. Gazmin added that the frigate will provide the country the capability to defend itself “so that we will not be pushed around.” According to him, the offer for the “Maestrale” was a package which was not within the DND’s budget and the capability included was not that necessary to the AFP, so a counter offer stating what the DND needs and can afford was made.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/6861-dnd-mulls-paf-pn-bases-in-subic