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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Zubiri presses for AFP modernization after Sulu C-130 crash

Zubiri presses for AFP modernization after Sulu C-130 crash

Published Jul 6, 2021 12:17 pm

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday, July 6, underscored the importance of modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), as well as extensively training its personnel, in preventing accidents like the recent plane crash in Sulu.

BURNING AIRCRAFT. An aircraft carrier, said to be a Philippine Airforce C-130H, crashed in Patikul, Sulu Sunday afternoon, July 4. (Marawi City Bayan Patrol/MANILA BULLETIN)

Zubiri lamented the death of least 52 soldiers and civilians after the air force's C-130 plane crashed in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday, July 4, which he said could have been prevented if the military had modern equipment and training.

“I am unfortunately starting to sound like a broken record in my call for modern aircraft and training equipment for our troops. I am so saddened by the loss of such brave and patriotic individuals in such a senseless death," the Senate leader said in his statement.

“That’s what angers me the most. We’re losing so many great men and women because of poor equipment and outdated aircraft," he added.

Zubiri recalled similar plane crashes in Isabela in July last year; in Basilan in September; in Lanao del Sur in November; then in Bukidnon last January, and in Tarlac in June.

“Just over the last year, we’ve already lost over seventy people in military aircraft accidents," he said.

“And now, over fifty people in Sulu. This is one of the worst air disasters for the Air Force and the AFP. We really need to fast-track our aircraft modernization so we can stop ruining lives like this, and ensure that no other accident surpasses this one in the future," he added.

Zubiri appealed to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to look for available funds necessary for the Philippine Air Force, "to replace their aging fleet, particularly their workhorses, which are their overused and extremely old C-130s."

Aside from upgrading the military's aircrafts, he said the government must also beef up its training programs for our military pilots.

“Modernization entails not only buying the best aircraft and equipment, but also providing state-of-the-art and extensive training for our military personnel. We have to invest in simulators, so we can consistently train our soldiers without risking their lives, or the lives of civilians," Zubiri said.

"We have to get serious about modernizing our military. We cannot lose any more lives like this," he added.

Related Tags

C-130 crash AFP sulu AFP Modernization migz zubiri
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