IN WHAT LOOKS more like an indirect admission of the country’s vulnerability, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro cited the need for the government to seriously consider the idea of beefing air defenses, especially in weapon systems capable of intercepting missiles.
“We need to increase the number of our anti-missile systems. It’s a question of national resilience and national defense. We should be taking such matters seriously,” Teodoro Jr. said in a mix of English and the vernacular.
To date, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) operates three batteries of Spyder air defense missile systems capable of low-level, quick reaction interception, and classified as “medium-range air defense missile.”
In view of the country’s vulnerability to potential attacks by hostile nations, Teodoro said that military modernization should not just be “lip service.”
Air defense capabilities however should not be limited to defense capabilities even as he cited the need to find suppliers and contractors that can meet the demands in the supply chain.
“Kailangan yung ating pinagkukunan kayang mag-supply kahit sa gipitan na kondisyon ” he added.
When asked about the war between Iran and the United States, Teodoro said it would be more logical for the countries in conflict to de-escalate, adding that quite a number of overseas Filipino workers are already affected by the Middle East crisis.
“We need to have an early resolution of the crisis in the Middle East.”
Previously, US President Donald Trump urged American allies to help the US Navy escort oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz in the wake of continued Iranian attacks against ships passing through the vital waterway.
However, Teodoro turned down Trump’s request since the country has no capability to escort convoys — “Wala tayong capability mag-escort That is moot and academic.”
