Military modernization program 'game changer' in anti-terror drive -- official

From the Philippine News Agency (May 16): Military modernization program 'game changer' in anti-terror drive -- official

The military is "reaping the fruits" of its modernization program as 79 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have been killed as of Tuesday, a top official of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said.

“The military modernization program is a game changer,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Westmincom chief, told reporters here.

The military is using its latest FA-50 fighter jets and night-fighting systems capability in the intensified campaign against the ASG and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group.

The intensified campaign is in line with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to destroy the ASG in six months. The order will lapse on June 30.

Twenty ASG members were killed as FA-50 fighter jets pounded over the weekend the bandit lair in Sumisip, Basilan province.

Galvez, being the Westmincom chief, has the authority to use "all lethal weapons like the fighter jets in the anti-terror campaign."

He said the guidance of the President is to use all needed military hardware and to minimize troops casualty during offensives.

“We have to achieve our mission, with minimal casualties on our end,” he said.

Galvez said President Duterte gave his unwavering support to the efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to modernize its equipment.

“We are very happy because of our modernization program, we are able to upgrade our capability,” Galvez said.

Meanwhile, Galvez, along with the AFP top brass, is set to present to Congress, led by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, its modernization program especially in its fight against terror groups.

“I was required to give a report to him (Speaker Alvarez) on what are the capabilities that we need in order to sustain our gains here,” he said.

Among the new assets that the AFP will be requesting are Naval assets, particularly speedboats.
He said they are eyeing to acquire at least 10 additional speedboats for each of Westmincom’s six joint task forces to secure the seas against pirates and terrorists.

At least 60 percent of the area of responsibility of Westmincom is water.

Galvez said the additional 60 speedboats are on top of the 30 speedboats that are expected to arrive within this year. Each is powered by a 700-horsepower engine that can accommodate 14 troopers.
“We need those speedboats in order to interdict them (ASG) from the sea,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/988233