The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is hoping that
President-elect Rodrigo Duterte will continue with the military modernization program,
a project given priority by the outgoing administration for the past six years.
"We are hoping and praying that the programs that we
have launched in this (Aquino) administration would be supported by the next
(Duterte) administration, because after all this is not for the AFP alone, it
is for the Filipinos, it is for the country, it is to defend its national
interest," AFP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in an
interview.
During the Aquino administration, significant progress has
been made in the implementation of the AFP Capability Upgrade and Modernization
Program where PHP60.14 billion has been released from July 10, 2010 to April
this year for the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the two
Hamilton-class cutters, six multi-purpose assault craft, 113 armored personnel
carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, two C-130 heavy
transports, two FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft and eight attack
versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters, five
landing craft heavies and two strategic sealift vessels to name a few.
Padilla said it is crucial for the country to continue with
the military's modernization program so potential aggressors will think twice
of taking on the AFP or violating Philippine territory.
"(Military forces) are respected if they have the
capability (to deter and defend their states)," he added.
Earlier, Padilla said the AFP will render a final and simple
tribute Monday afternoon to President Aquino in front of GHQ Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo ,
Quezon City
"The AFP as a whole will render its final tribute to
the outgoing President & Commander-in-Chief (CinC) this Monday afternoon.
All the AFP's top brass as well as those who served under his administration as
AFP senior leaders are expected to attend," he added.
Other government dignitaries were also invited to attend the
activities.
The tribute is also to show the AFP's appreciation for
Aquino's efforts in the military capability upgrade program.
"The AFP capability build up under the outgoing
administration has been the best so far for the AFP and greatly exceeds the
support provided by the last three administrations combined," Padilla
said.
"However, in contrast to previous parades, there will
be no Air Force fly-by during this testimonial for the CinC this Monday. The
toned down ceremonies are in keeping with the desire of the outgoing CinC to
keep the ceremonies as simple as possible without sacrificing the necessary
military protocols, customs and tradition entailed during the activity,"
Padilla said.
He added Monday's ceremonies will be the final military
parade to honor and pay tribute to the CinC and is the AFP's expression of
gratitude for the leadership and support provided by the Honoree for the
institution.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=898882
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