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PH must always be ready to defend itself even sans help from allies

Philippines | National

PH must always be ready to defend itself even sans help from allies

By Betheena Unite

Whether with or without the help of allies, the Philippines must always be prepared to defend itself and sustain its defense modernization, a Malacañang official said.

AFP File Photo.jpg — A Philippine Navy personnel posts for side watch for ship maneuvers during the 6th MMCA held in the West Philippine Sea on Feb. 5, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the country must learn to continue boosting its defense capability, especially amid developments initiated by the United States in terms of its military aid to other countries.

"Yes, dapat lamang po. May ally tayo o wala tayong ally kailangan din po nating i-prepare iyong sarili natin (Yes, it is a must. Whether we have an ally or none, we also need to prepare ourselves)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Wednesday, March 5, when asked if the country's policy is to continue its self-defense and modernization.

"Iyong AFP modernization ay talagang kailangan po natin iyan para hindi naman tayo masyadong umaasa sa ating mga allies (The Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization is really necessary for us not to rely too much to our allies)," Castro added.

This echoed what Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said that the Philippines has to be ready to defend itself in the future.

Whether the Philippine government is concerned or not with the recent move of the US, suspending its military aid to Ukraine, the Palace official refused to make a comment, saying that they leave it to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to respond on such an issue.

Related Tags

claire castro US-PH alliance AFP Modernization DEFENSE MODERNIZATION

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