AFP: Acquisition of 21 helicopters to boost terror drive

MANILA, Philippines - The acquisition of 21 combat utility helicopters will provide a “significant boost” to the government’s drive against terrorism and insurgency, the Air Force said yesterday.

Air Force spokesman Col. Miguel Okol said the UH-1 helicopters or Hueys would provide the much-needed air mobility to troops involved in internal security operations.

“The helicopters will greatly increase the capabilities of our troops. They will be empowered as they will have more air mobility at their disposal,” Okol said.

He said the helicopters would boost the operations against terror groups and criminal gangs.

While the armed forces in other countries focus on external defense, the Philippine military is still involved in internal security due to threats posed by armed groups like communist rebels and terrorists.

As a result, some military assets are being used for internal security operations.

Soldiers are also being tapped to perform tasks that normally belong to policemen and local government units.

Some observers think that the internal threats have hampered efforts to beef up the country’s territorial defense capabilities. 

Under the military’s security plan, the focus of operations would be shifted to territorial defense by 2014, giving security officials the daunting task of curbing internal security threats by yearend.

Okol noted that the air assets could be used to distribute forces in critical areas and to conduct visual reconnaissance.

“Other agencies will also benefit from the helicopters. These can be used for interagency efforts like the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality,” he said.

The helicopters could also be used to support the government’s development efforts, Okol said.

Earlier, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR that they would acquire 21 refurbished Hueys through negotiated procurement after the two biddings for the air assets failed.

The government expects to complete the procurement of the 21 helicopters by July.

Manalo said they are fast-tracking the procurement of the helicopters in time for the rainy season, which might require disaster response and rescue operations.

The government has allotted P1.2649 billion for the 21 helicopters, which were originally intended to support poll-related duties.

However, the procurement of the air assets has been delayed due to failed biddings.

Under a negotiated bid, companies that signified interest in supplying the equipment will be invited to submit offers. A team composed of representatives from the agency that will use the equipment will evaluate the proposals.

The Air Force only has 16 mission-capable Hueys in its inventory, 51 units short of the ideal number of operational combat utility helicopters.