Modernization of the AFP will benefit Cebu province

CEBU, Philippines - Sixth district representative Gabriel Luis Quisumbing yesterday said the Substitute Bill on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act was approved last September 28 by the House committee on National Defense.

Quisumbing, who is the vice chairperson of the House committee on National Defense said the bill will be discussed in the plenary next week.

He said the proposed legislation would amend RA7898 in order to adjust it to the realities of the times and a revised AFP Modernization Program shall be substantially focused and directed in addressing the internal security threats to the country and develop the AFP as an organization with a capability to meet internal and external security threats.

"The committee, our members and resource persons worked very hard to pass this measure. This will help our government equip itself to meet contingencies and even national disasters or calamities with the purchase of multi-purpose vessels and aircraft which are sorely needed for disaster relief operations," Quisumbing said.

He said much of the asset of the AFP in the Visayas is here in Cebu as Camp Lapu-Lapu is based here and once the modernization will take effect these could also help the lives of the Cebuanos as its seacraft could be used in times of rescue operations and its aircraft be used to look for missing persons especially the fishermen during calamites. (FREEMAN)