Aquino assures PH can defend itself against external threats

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

CAVITE CITY, Philippines–Faced with territorial disputes and worries of external and internal threats, President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday assured that the Philippines can defend itself within its bounds.

“Sa ating agenda ng mabuting pamamahala, malinaw ang pahiwatig natin ngayon sa buong mundo: Ang sa Pilipinas ay sa Pilipinas, at kaya nating pumalag at ipagtanggol ang sarili tuwing may sisindak sa atin sa loob mismo ng ating bakuran,” he said in his speech at the Philippine Navy anniversary at Fort San Felipe in Cavite City.

(In keeping with our agenda of good governance, we tell this to world loud and clear: what belongs to us belongs to us, and we can defend ourselves whenever faced with security threats.)

Aquino, the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, was the guest of honor and speaker at the anniversary rites.

The President said citizens want to feel safe from external threats and the Armed Forces are expected to be proactive in calming the people’s fears.

With illegal drugs, smuggling, human trafficking and natural calamities also threatening the country’s national security, Aquino said the AFP can be counted on to address those concerns.

Aquino also broke the news that the government will buy three Multi-Purpose Attack Craft, eight Amphibious Assault Vehicle, two Frigate and Anti-Submarine Warfare-Capable Helicopter, among others, for the Navy under the revised AFP Modernization Act.

For the soldiers, the President said that the Phase 1 of the housing program for police and soldiers has been completed, and 11,000 of the 21,800 housing units will go to AFP.  Also, about 14,000 of 31,200 housing units will be distributed to soldiers in the Phase 2 of the housing program.