AFP showcases naval, air assets as part of 85th anniversary

Naval and air assets were showcased during the Armed Forces of the Philippines's Fleet Review and Wing FlyBy in Morong, Bataan on Wednesday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana graced the event together with AFP chief General Gilbert Gapay, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Giovanni Bacordo, Philippine Air Force commander Lieutenant General Allen Paredes and other senior military officials.

The event was part of the 85th anniversary of the AFP.

IN PHOTOS: @dndphl Secretary Delfin Lorenzana arrives for today's Fleet Review and Wing Flyby in connection with the #85thAFPAnniversary.#AFPyoucanTrust pic.twitter.com/Fb7KU4aITr

— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) December 16, 2020

The Presidential Ship, BRP Ang Pangulo together with other naval assets in review.#85thAFPAnniversary#AFPyoucanTrust pic.twitter.com/IIVDb6bLEP

— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) December 16, 2020

In his speech, Lorenzana said the annual fleet review, wherein 63 assets were displayed, is a way to show to the public "where their taxes go."

"More than being a display of capability and resources of our Armed Forces, of our force providers, this annual fleet review is ultimately our way of being accountable and transparent to the Filipino people," he said.

The event also showed the solidarity among the AFP's major services, he added.

In an ambush interview, Lorenzana said the event was not a show of force against other countries but to showcase the AFP's capability and a way to prove to the public that the military continues its modernization program.

"Hindi naman show of force 'to kasi kung kumpara mo 'yung ating assets sa ibang bansa rito sa region maliit lang 'yan... but importantly, we want to show the Filipino people na 'yung ating AFP ay tuloy na nagupgrade," Lorenzana said.

He said this would also boost the morale of the Filipino troops.

"Para pang high morale din ng mga AFP natin na meron na silang... alam ng Air Force 'yung kanilang asset, alam ng Navy ang asset nila pero hindi nakikita lahat ng AFP 'yung kabuuan," he said.

Lorenzana said the military's modernization fund for 2021 is P27 billion, which will be used in acquiring more assets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, attack helicopters, radars, howitzers, Blackhawk helicopters, wheeled-armored personnel and fast attack interdiction craft with missiles, among others.—AOL, GMA News