With new assets, AFP has “effective presence in the West Philippine Sea”: Gapay

December 22, 2020

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay said with its newly-acquired assets the military "have once again established its effective presence in the West Philippine Sea".

"I am proud to report that with these equipment we have once again established effective presence in the West Philippine Sea in assertion of our sovereignty," Gapay said in his speech during the 85th founding anniversary celebration of the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.

"On our modernization efforts, we continue to set our sights towards improving our competencies and interoperability," he said.

Gapay emphasized the major assets that have been procured by the military under the modernization program of the AFP.

"The AFP acquired several high-ticket items that greatly improved our joint capabilities.  These include the Philippine Navy’s first missile capable frigate BRP Jose Rizal and fast attack craft, the FA 50 jets, Super Tucano ground attack aircraft and recently the S70i Blackhawk combat utility helicopters of the Philippine Air Force and soon to be delivered to the Philippine Army are... self propelled artillery... and modern riverine equipment," he said.

"With all these acquisitions, the AFP continues to build its momentum and is steadily moving forward towards the realization of our modernization goals and objective," he added. Robina Asido/DMS