More ships, aircraft to bolster PH military

Marine soldiers stand in front of a logistics support ship during ceremonies welcoming President Aquino (arriving in helicopter, inset) during the 115th anniversary of the Philippine Navy held in Cavite City in mid-May this year. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III vowed to continue the modernization of the military by acquiring more ships and helicopters to perform a variety of missions such as economic zone protection, surface surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime security operations.

Speaking on the 78th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday, the President said the government has programmed the purchase next year of two more C-130 transport planes, two additional helicopters and a patrol vessel.

Mr. Aquino inspected three newly acquired AgustaWestland 109 (AW-109) Power Helicopters of the Philippine Navy during the anniversary celebration in Camp Aguinaldo.

Two new Sikorsky Air Ambulance units and other assets of the military were also displayed at the AFP Grandstand during the ceremony.

“Amid [security] threats, we’re expecting a lot from our soldiers,” the President said in rationalizing the military’s latest acquisitions under its modernization program.

The AW-109 helicopters cost P1.33 billion.

Mr. Aquino said two more of these aircraft would be delivered next year for a contract price of P850.91 million, while two more C-130 aircraft would be purchased.

He also vowed to provide more ships to help the existing BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz patrol the 34,000-kilometer coastline of the archipelago.

“There’s no doubt—with the overlapping problems our country experienced this year—you’ll be proud of … your bravery, perseverance and [dedication] to service,” Mr. Aquino told the soldiers.

He said the “meaningful contribution” of the military, particularly during the armed conflict in Zamboanga City, and the back-to-back earthquake in Bohol and Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in central Philippines, would “forever be remembered in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

During the program, Mr. Aquino honored soldiers who had rendered “exemplary service” during the Zamboanga crisis in September.

The President awarded 49 soldiers, two civilian employees and two Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets.

Among those recognized was the late Private First Class Ian Paquit of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, who was given a Medal of Valor posthumously for “his courage, dedication and sacrifice” that contributed to the clearing and capture of Moro rebels during the Zamboanga crisis.