By Gideon C. Corgue
LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur –The modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now underway, according to Major General (MGen.)Romulo Cabantac Jr., vice commander, Philippine Army (PA).
In a recent media interview following the change of command ceremony at the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division here, MGen.Cabantac disclosed that that “the AFP had acquired new military hardware.”
“When I attended the 67thPhilippine Air Force (PAF) Day last July 1 at Clark Airbase in Pampanga, I saw four Huey helicopters from South Korea. The remaining 17 Huey helicopters will be delivered on the third quarter this year, specifically in September,” Cabantac said.
Cabantac said the acquisition of new military hardware is part of ongoing AFP’s modernization program during the term of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.
The AFP modernization program is mandated under Republic Act No. 10349, otherwise known as the revised AFP modernization act. This program will go for 15 years covering all branches of the AFP such as the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy and Philippine Army.
Cabantac said the modernization program forms part of the AFP’s capability upgrades aimed at securing the country’s territory and respondingto any disaster quickly,” he explained.
“There are also new armored personnel carriers to be delivered soon afer the bidding is done to boost the AFP’s support capabilities,” Cabantac added.
On 18 March 2014 the Philippine Army had also procured brand new M4 carbines to replace the Army’s automatic rifle.
“There are 88,000 new rifles and bullet proof vest to arrive this year,”Cabantac announced.
When asked what would happen to the old rifles, Cabantac said: “We are still studying if we will give it to the CAFGU or reservists.”
