DND chief: PHL needs allies in fending off incursions

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 28): DND chief: PHL needs allies in fending off incursions

With the Philippines just starting its modest military upgrade programs, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Friday admitted that the country needs the help of its allies, especially the United States, in fending of the creeping incursion being done by China.

"At this point in time, we can't stand on own. We need (the help of a long-standing) ally," he stressed.

Gazmin said that if the Philippines will not do this measure, there is good chance that the country will be further pressed by a much larger force, as like now.

The DND chief cited the case of China which he said is now encroaching on Philippine territory.

He added that China possessed a numerically and superior military force, a factor the Philippines can't just counter at the moment.

With this lack, Gazmin said the Philippine government has brought its case against China before the court but in spite of that, they still continue to occupy some of our area.

The DND chief urged the public to understand and support the renewed partnership with the U.S. as he stressed that we need this to prevent an oppressive neighbor from stepping on us.

Gazmin on Thursday confirmed the government is now looking to give U.S. and Japan greater access to its military bases.

He clarified that the Americans will not be putting up military bases in the country, instead the Philippines will be accepting access.

"We’re not going to construct bases. We will be accepting access. Right now, the agreement has not been firmed up. We are in the process of crafting the agreement relative to our Constitution and the Visiting Forces Agreement,” Gazmin stated,

"After that is done (access agreement), then we will be allowing -- if and when there is agreement on the access -- then there will be equipment coming in from the United States,” the DND chief concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=539076