AFP to upgrade its capability in disputed Spratly Islands By Mario J. Mallari 03/29/2011

AFP to upgrade its capability in disputed Spratly Islands

By Mario J. Mallari 03/29/2011

The Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) will be upgrading its capability at the disputed Spratly group of islands on South China Sea as it maintained that the Reed Bank, where the Department of Energy (DoE) is conducting oil exploration, is well within the country’s territorial waters.

At a luncheon meeting with Camp Aguinaldo reporters, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. yesterday said the upgrade will start with the allotment of P31 million for the rehabilitation of the Rancudo Airfield on Philippine-occupied Pagasa  Island which was already approved by President Aquino.

“That’s a standing order…we will be having rehabilitation of the runway in Pagasa,” said Oban, adding the upgrading will be started “as soon as possible, we need to address that immediately. Matter of fact, there are funds for that already.”.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110329nat2.html