PH to receive 2 Cobra choppers from Jordan

From Malaya Business Insight (May 23): PH to receive 2 Cobra choppers from Jordan

PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday said the Philippines is set to receive two cobra helicopters from Jordan that is expected to beef up the country’s drive against terrorism.

Duterte made the announcement during the 120th anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Coconut Palace grounds.

Duterte was late for the event by more than an hour because he was reviewing an electronic mail sent to him by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who was in Jordan, asking for approval and authorization to receive the two helicopters.

“Jordan is giving us two Cobra helicopters. Those things that we cannot really afford maybe in my term,” he said, adding the Philippines and Jordan have a common problem – terrorism.

Reports said aside from the two Cobra attack helicopters Jordan is also donating several M113 Armored Personnel Carrier.

The President recalled that he had to swallow an insult from a high-ranking international human rights official because he is the brother of the Jordan king. United Nations Human Rights Council chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, a prince in Jordan, earlier this year said Duterte may need to undergo a psychiatric evaluation following his “unacceptable” remarks against some UN officials, including a member of the UN rapporteur who was accused of being connected with local communist terrorists.

Duterte said he was prepared to answer the official but was advised by Esperon to just shut up.

The President said he wanted to talk more about his policy against terrorism and geopolitics but was pressed for time and instead promised to discuss it either over breakfast or a boodle fight.

Duterte thanked the Navy for its role in the liberation of war-torn Marawi City, and for fulfilling its mandate of protecting and defending the country’s territories, and its participation in the counter-terrorism, and disaster relief operations.

He also recognized the sacrifices, dedication and professionalism of the members of the Philippine Navy.

“It was only last year when we celebrated the Philippine Navy’s anniversary during the Marawi siege. Then, we honored the heroic efforts of the men and women of the Navy and Marines in the liberation of Marawi. Today, we once again honor them as we make significant progress in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of that city. To the brave soldiers and marines of our Navy, you have made the Filipino people proud and continue to do so with gallantry in defending our sovereignty in our territorial waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

He committed to continue to support the uplifting and improvement of the professional and personal wellbeing of the Navy and the Armed Forces in general as he reiterated his commitment to the realization of the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program that included P77 billion worth of project for the Navy.

“We are indeed excited – we live in exciting times for our Armed Forces as we further enhance the capability of our Navy. Since the beginning of this administration, I have exerted efforts to upgrade your equipment and artillery,” he said, noting that under his administration, the Navy now has additional units of TC90 aircraft, multi-purpose assault crafts and a strategic sealift vessel, among others.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said the Navy is rising from the state of “obsolescence,” citing the assets acquired and being acquired under their modernization program.

During the Navy’s 120th anniversary, Empedrad said the Navy was “one of the most powerful navies” in Asia after the World War II but became “one of the weakest” even in Southeast Asia six decades later.

Empedrad said other countries upgraded their naval capability “while the Philippine Navy went to obsolescence.”

“It’s sad to note that through time, we failed to sustain that strong maritime heritage of our forefathers, let alone lose it. The big question is why?” he said.

He said the Navy is “slowly regaining our maritime character as a nation and our vision of becoming a strong and credible Navy, that our maritime nation Philippines will be proud of by year 2020, is very well crafted.”

“Be that as it may, we are still too far behind compared to other navies in the region,” said Empedrad, adding that with Duterte’s support, “our dream will soon become a reality.”

He cited several projects being undertaken under the Navy’s modernization program, including the recent acquisition of their first missile system that were fitted on three multi-purpose attack craft and the acquisition of five patrol aircraft from Japan.

Empedrad said the Navy is due to receive a Pohang-class corvette from South Korea during the third quarter of this year while two anti-submarine warfare helicopters with torpedoes are due to be operational by May next year.

“Finally, two missile frigates will be delivered in 2020,” said Empedrad, referring to the warships that are currently being built by the Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea for P18 billion.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/ph-receive-2-cobra-choppers-jordan