Solon calls for genuine AFP modernization after chopper crash experience

Rep. Anthony Bravo before the Sokol helicopter crash in Tarlac.

COOP NATCCO Rep. Anthony Bravo on Monday called for the genuine modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in light of the recent helicopter crash in Capas, Tarlac.

Bravo was among those injured when a helicopter crashed into a cliff in Capas, Tarlac last Thursday afternoon.

BREAKING: Chopper carrying solon crashes in Tarlac

In a privilege speech at the House plenary, Bravo expressed concerns on the condition of the military’s aircraft and equipment, saying the incident he figured into was the third incident involving Sokol helicopters of the Philippine Air Force.

“In August 2014, a Sokol helicopter crashed in Lanao del Sur which carried then 4th Infantry Division Commander Ricardo Visaya. While he was not injured, two passengers suffered minor injuries. Then on November 8, 2016 another Sokol unit also crashed in Puerto Princesa City where 12 persons were reported injured,” he said.

“Madam Speaker, I am deeply concerned about the condition of our military aircraft and equipment. We could not afford to have more accidents because next time might not be as fortunate as what happened to us,” he added.

The party-list lawmaker then urged the government to pursue a “genuine modernization” of the AFP.

“We need to develop the AFP in all aspects such as personnel capacity building, upgrading of facilities and equipment and proper maintenance,” he said.

The lawmaker also called on his colleagues at the chamber to support funding of the AFP modernization plan, whose first phase has ended in 2017.

There is also a need to craft a policy reform that will “address the tedious process of procurement of military assets needed for modernization,” according to Bravo.

During his speech, Bravo also recounted that the helicopter was on its final approach when it “suddenly turned on its side and fell on the ravine (about 30-feet deep) nearby the helipad.” They were on their way to a “Live Fire Demonstration” scheduled at Crow Valley Gunnery Range.

Bravo, a military reservist, said he was with the House contingent invited by the AFP Office of Legislative Affairs to attend a legislative stakeholders engagement activity in Capas, Tarlac.

In the morning, he said he participated in a Record Firing at Camp O’Donnell conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Army./ac