Wednesday, December 31, 2014

AFP modernization includes HADR capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 1): AFP modernization includes HADR capability

Aside from ensuring that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has sufficient resources to defend the country, the military's ongoing modernization program is also aimed improving the AFP's humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) capability.

This was stressed by AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc Thursday.

"The AFP Modernization Program is focused on territorial defense operations (TDO), and HADR as the military gradually shifts from internal security operations," he said.

The Army, Air Force and Navy will be geared towards this TDO campaign/effort as part of the modernization and capability upgrade under medium and long term development plans.

During the Aquino administration, a total of 46 modernization projects (more than the combined completed projects of the previous administrations) were completed, Cabunoc said.

"The AFP has gained appreciation and recognition not only from the beleaguered communities affected by the typhoons and the national government but as well as from the international community who commended the whole Philippine government for its successful HADR operations in the recent calamities that affected the country," he said.

The AFP’s HADR gains this year were highlighted during its disaster response operations in areas affected by Typhoon "Ruby".

The AFP helped in preparations, particularly in pre-positioning of relief goods, rescue and clearing equipment; and assisting in pre-emptive evacuations.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) deployed 18 aircraft including two C-130 aircraft and two Sokol choppers that transported a total of 629,274 lbs of relief goods to affected areas.

The Navy also deployed six of its ships that transported 38.5 tons of relief goods while the Army utilized 173 of its ground assets to assist in HADR Operations.

The AFP also conducted information drives to educate residents of low-lying communities about the threat posed by storm surges and flooding.

"After the storm, our soldiers commenced with the aerial recon, clearing, rescue, and relief operations of 186,694 families or 868,624 persons who were displaced and eventually moved inside 3,003 evacuation centers," Cabunoc stressed.

"Furthermore, the AFP is continuously enhancing its HADR capability through the improvement of its operational readiness, training of its personnel and procuring of HADR equipment," he added.

HADR has now become a major role for the AFP due to the impact of climate change which is one of the global challenges the AFP is currently facing.

Cabunoc said the AFP will continue to ensure the security and safety of our communities including business establishments, the investment climate for economic development, and other opportunities for progress and prosperity.

Guided by the IPSP "Bayanihan" and the AFP Transformation Roadmap, the AFP will continue to reap success from all its operations as it looks forward to finally achieving the common goal of a just and lasting peace and stability for the whole country, Cabunoc concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=720917

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