There is an urgent need for the Philippines
"We should have strengthen our Coast Guard 10 years (so
that intruders) cannot encroached on our territories. That's the purpose now of
our (modernization program) to give our Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force a
minimum credible deterrent so that our territories will not just be encroach
upon," he added.
The DND chief stressed that the Philippines
is not in a position to prevent China
"I don't think they will listen to us, (if they will do
that, they will just continue doing that) despite our objections, we can't do
anything, so we'll just watch them do that because we don't have any capability
to prevent them from doing that," he stressed.
Lorenzana earlier said the DND will still continue with AFP
Modernization Program which jives with their long term plans of having credible
deterence to secure Philippine territory.
And while some projects may be fast-tracked to address
criminality, terrorism, and insurgency threats in the southern Philippines
"The 15-year modernization program of the AFP will
continue as scheduled," he earlier stated.
Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the
two Hamilton-class cutters, six multi-purpose assault craft, 114 armored
personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, two C-130 heavy
transports, two FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, five utility versions
of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, eight of its attack versions, five
landing craft heavies, three multi-purpose attack craft, and two strategic
sealift vessels.
Lorenzana said the DND will continue to honor contracts,
especially those in the pipeline.
"We study it for while and if there are no problems,
then we will approve it," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=905322
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