Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are puzzled by its ranking of sixth among the 10 worst military organizations in the world.
While AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla admitted that the military needed upgrades, he expressed surprise by the citation
"Hindi naman po natin dini-deny ang katotohanan na kailangan nating mag-modernize ng Armed Forces," Padilla said in a live interview over radio dzBB on Thursday.
"Ang hindi lang ho namin maintindihan ay bakit naman ho pang-anim. Kasi ang pinagkumparahan po natin na ibang mga navy ay hindi naman ho makakapantay sa atin."
He also pointed out that the basis of the list seemed to have centered only on equipment.
In an article posted on its website last October 19, the US-based military enthusiasts' group "We Are The Mighty" said the Philippines has remained ill-equipped despite challenges in the region.
On its list of the Top 10 worst military organizations are:
1. Costa Rica
2. Iraq
3. North Korea
4. Eritrea
5. Nigeria
6. The Philippines
7. Tajikistan
8. Mongolia
9. Saudi Arabia
10. Afghanistan
The group also said in the article that the US has, by far, the largest, most powerful, well-equipped, and best trained military force to ever exist on Earth.
Modernization
Padilla pointed out that better attention has been given to the armed forces under the current administration, after officials approached President Benigno Aquino III regarding the military's needs when he began his term.
He said the newly procured aircrafts may help in air defense, even when it's "limited" at the moment. He added that the Navy must be strengthened, especially since the country is an archipelago.
Responding to the article, Communications Secretary Hermino Coloma, Jr. enumerated the multi-billion projects approved by Aquino as part of the implementation of the AFP Modernization Act, which was signed into law three years ago.
These projects include: two Navy frigates worth P18 billion; three air surveillance radars, P2.68 billion; six close air support aircraft, P4.97 billion; two units of long-range patrol aircraft, P5.98 billion; multi-purpose attack craft project worth P864.32 million; night fighting system, P1.116 billion; two C-130 air crafts, P1.6 billion; two naval helicopters, P5.4 billion; and lead-in fighter training jets ammunition worth P4.47 billion.
Higher budget
Padilla added that they hope the ranking will prompt Congress to give the military greater capacity to procure equipment it needs.
"Kung equipment lang ho ang pag-uusapan, nakatutulong po sa atin na sana makarating sa ating mga policy-makers na nag-a-approve ng budget ng Armed Forces na bigyan ng pansin ang ginagawa ng ating mahal na Pangulo na lalong pinalalakas ang Armed Forces, at bigyan ng karagdagang kakayahan na bumili, makakuha, at magpundar ng ating equipment para naman magkaroon tayo ng tinatawag na credible defense na rerespetuhin ng ibang bansa," he said.
He added that while attention to armed forces has improved under the Aquino administration, an increase in the military's budget is needed in order to implement the long-term modernization plan.
Padilla said this is divided into two phases, the "first horizon" — with a 2018 target deadline — focused on addressing immediate "shortfalls" in equipment to improve the armed forces' capability.
The "second horizon," meanwhile, is for the betterment of defense of the country's territory. This phase is expected to be completed by 2028.
Padilla, however, pointed out, "Kung kaya po ng ating gobyerno at bibigyan tayo ng ating mga mambabatas ng kaukulang kapasidad na bumili, pwedeng pabilisin 'yan."
He added: "Sana po ang ating mga kababayan na mismo ang magsalita na palakasin ang kanilang armed forces."
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/541646/news/nation/afp-puzzled-by-6th-worst-in-the-world-ranking-but-hopes-it-leads-to-higher-budget
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