Aquino: Modernizing Phl military not for regional tensions

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the continuing territorial dispute with China, the Philippines is not aiming to escalate regional tensions with the modernization efforts for its military, President Benigno Aquino III said on Thursday.

"Lest anyone accuse us of shifting to a more militaristic position, I must emphasize: Our efforts seek to modernize the capabilities of our security sector is to address the needs in human disaster response arenas and for our own internal defense," Aquino said in his speech at this year's Asian Defense, Security and Crisis Management Exhibition.

"None of these actions are meant to increase tensions in the region; rather, they are meant to address our domestic problems and issues," he added.

The President said the government has released more than 40 billion pesos to modernize and upgrade the capabilities of the military in the past four years.

Aquino said the country has acquired two warships, a landing craft utility ship, eight Sokol Combat Utility Helicopters, three AW-109 naval helicopters and four refurbished UH-1 helicopters, among many others.

The Philippines also expects to get the following military equipment, according to Aquino:

• FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets
• refurbished UH-1 helicopters
• combat utility helicopters
• long-range patrol aircrafts
• close-air support aircrafts
• anti-submarine helicopters
• frigates
• full missile capable multi-purpose attack crafts

Aquino said the government has no plans of slowing down in modernizing its military.

"Anytime we have an opportunity to make our military more efficient, we have every intention of taking that opportunity," Aquino said.

In his speech, the President cited the efforts of the government troops during the Zamboanga siege and the aftermath of Typhoon "Yolanda" last year.

"While nothing government can provide will truly ever match the sacrifices they have made in our country’s name, the very least we can do is throw our full support behind them—to make certain that those who risk their lives for the country are likewise taken care of by their country," Aquino said.