Aquino earmarks P8B to increase presence near Spratlys

President Benigno Aquino III has earmarked P8 billion for the acquisition of naval and air assets needed to increase military presence in Palawan, near the disputed Spratlys Island, Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Oban said Monday. Oban said the military is now preparing a list of equipment that would be acquired using the funds. He said these include vessels and long-range patrol aircraft. “Perhaps the President saw our long-standing needs in terms of capability in the area," said Oban when asked on what prodded President Aquino to allot the funds. He said the funds are “for the initial development of our capability to have more presence in Palawan." “That’s why we are pushing for capability development so we can really safeguard our interest, particularly (in the area)," Oban said. Defense and military officials have repeatedly stressed the need for more sea and air assets in order for them to protect the country’s interest in the dispute over the Spratlys Island, a chain of potentially oil and minerals rich islands and islets. The Spratlys Island, located west of Palawan, is being claimed in part or in whole by the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. Of the claimant-countries, China is the strongest in terms of military might. When asked if the fortification of facilities by some claimant countries in the disputed area is among the reason for the allotment of funds, Oban said, “Our mandate is we have to protect our interest in the area." - KBK, GMA News