Ex-National Security Adviser tags AFP chief as incompetent

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 6): Ex-National Security Adviser tags AFP chief as incompetent

Former national security adviser Roilo Golez expressed disappointment with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iriberri for failing to recognize China’s aggression in the disputed areas within the South China Sea as the real threat facing the Philippines today.

Speaking at the regular Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum at the Luneta Hotel in Manila, Golez disclosed that China’s aggressive activities in the South China Sea, also West Philippine Sea, poses as a grave threat to the country’s sovereignty and well-being as an independent nation.

“This is the real threat we face — China’s continued encroachment of our territories because this affects our very lives and our future,” the former Parañaque lawmaker pointed out.

Golez also spelled out that China’s aggression affects our environment through the degradation of the ecosystems in the disputed areas and our socio-political and economic structure with the influx of illegal drugs, political interference in government and dumping of cheap but low quality products that undermine the integrity financial stability of local industries.

Going back to government’s failure to recognize China as a real threat, the former congressman described Iribberi as not competent enough to realize the significance of modernizing the AFP through the procurement of modern military hardware, among them the acquisition of a number of Italian-made Maestrale-class frigates and FA-50 light combat aircraft and the BrahMos shore based missile system from India.

“Unfortunately these have been effectively canceled by the new AFP chief and instead has opted for the procurement of new helmets and protective vests for our soldiers,” Golez said.

He even said that Iribberi appointment as AFP chief should not be confirmed by the Commission on Appointment for being not competent in heading the AFP in the face of external threats.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/ex-national-security-adviser-tags-afp-chief-as-incompetent