Long-dreamed-of military upgrade has become a reality

BECAUSE OF present territorial threats facing the Philippines and neighboring Asian countries, it is but appropriate to upgrade the capabilities of our armed forces. Last year, we saw the growing threat of China which repeatedly made incursions into our legitimate water boundaries, and it has not stopped in doing so.

Last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines completed a total of 15 upgrade projects, including air assets and communication equipment. Six of the projects are for the Army, four are for the Navy, three are for the Air Force, and two are for the general headquarters and the AFP’s wide support and separate units. The projects cost more than P18 billion and are expected to improve the security and disaster response capabilities of the military. This would definitely be a boost for the AFP which is continuing to modernize, taking this endeavor slowly but surely.

A strong AFP will be able to fulfill its mandate to address internal security, territorial defense, and to answer relief and rescue operations swiftly. This is no longer a dream, for it has already happened.

—L. J. MILLAR, [email protected]