AFP prefers to use part of modernization fund in sustaining offensive vs MILF

MANILA, Philippines – The military wants to delay the purchase of helicopters, rifles and radio equipment, and instead use the funds to sustain an offensive against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

In a letter dated Oct. 22, seen by Reuters yesterday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. asked approval from President Arroyo to draw P1.8 billion from a P5-billion modernization fund to spend on fuel and bullets “in line with the current situation in Mindanao.”

The government has spent nearly P1 billion to counter a rogue MILF band and to feed and provide shelter to more than half a million people displaced by the fighting in Mindanao in the last three months.

In his request, Teodoro told Mrs. Arroyo that plans to purchase tactical radio sets, sniper rifles, grenade launchers and Iroquois, or “Huey,” helicopters could be suspended.

The budget allocated for this equipment could be re-aligned to support “additional operational and intelligence requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the 4th quarter of fiscal year 2008,” according to Teodoro.

The government has been asking Congress for an extra P1 billion to cover the increase of gasoline prices this year.

It also needs another P1.7 billion to replenish stocks of mortar and artillery rounds used in fighting the MILF since mid-August, the government added.

US drone downed in Mindanao

A suspected US spy drone has crashed in MILF-controlled territory in central Mindanao, the rebels said yesterday.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said the drone crashed last Nov. 1 in the upland part of Guindolongan town. -  Roel Pareño