AFP modernization to focus on fighting internal threats

MANILA, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) — The continuation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program will give more focus on platforms that can be used to address the country's internal security threats, incoming AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said.

"(President-elect Rodrigo Duterte) would like to start by improving and updating equipment use for internal security operations so he will prioritize the acquisition of modern helicopters and fastcrafts, with nightfighting capabilities," Visaya said on Thursday.

The acquisition of new equipment will help in dealing with the ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and New People's Army threats.

Visaya said the acquisition of new equipment are included in the AFP Modernization Program as emphasized by the procurement of the night-capable AgustaWestland AW-109 attack helicopters of the Navy and Air Force.

The incoming AFP chief noted that the lack of night-capable helicopters and fastcrafts hampered the military response when the ASG attacked Samal Island and kidnapped four hostages last Sept. 21, 2015.

The bandit group kidnapped Canadians  John Ridsel, Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Hall's girlfriend Marites Flor on a resort in Samal Island.

Ridsel was beheaded last April 25 while Hall was executed last June 13 after the Philippine and Canadian governments snubbed the ASG ransom demand amounting to around PHP600 million for the two Canadians.

Visaya said that the acquisition of equipment that will beefed up the external capabilities of the AFP will continue as part of the ongoing modernization program.

"It (modernization program) will continue, but items needed for internal security operations will be prioritized," he said in Filipino.