AFP modernization well on its way, says Sen. Trillanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): AFP modernization well on its way, says Sen. Trillanes 

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, chair of the Senate National Defense and Security Committee, said in a press forum Friday morning that the country is well on its way with regard modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a press forum with the local media held at the Philippine Information Agency 13 Regional Office, Sen. Trillanes said that the under the amended AFP Modernization Law, major upgrade of weapon and non-weapon technology will be carried out. “The AFP will be provided with P75 billion in fresh infusion for the first five years of implementation,” he said.

Also according to the Trillanes, the Senate finally passed a resolution increasing the subsistence allowance of the soldiers and other uniformed personnel on the third and final reading.

Trillanes who is the principal author and sponsor of the measure, said that “by providing a modest increase on the existing subsistence allowance of our uniformed personnel, we hope to uplift their morale and recognize their sacrifices for the country.”

Other measures taken in order to further strengthen the country’s defense posture according to the senator was to strengthen the Philippines' alliances with the US and with the other neighboring countries such as the ASEAN, Australia, Japan and Korea without offending China. “This is done in order to enhance our defense cooperative agreement with these countries,” he said.

According to the senator, this will make the Philippines' cooperative military exercises more efficient and effective.

Trillanes was joined in the said forum by Michael Leo Torralba of the Samahang Magdalo, Butuan Balanghai Chapter, Fryan Abkilan, Deputy Regional Director, PIA 13 and Director Abner Caga of PIA 13.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=678136