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Brawner wants US Typhon missile system in PH 'forever'
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday said he wants the United States' Typhon mid-range missile system to stay in the Philippines "forever."
"Kung ako ang masusunod, if I were given the choice, I would like to have the Typhon here in the Philippines forever dahil kailangan natin 'yan para sa depensa natin," Brawner told reporters.
(If it were up to me, if I were given the choice, I would like to have the Typhon missile system here in the Philippines forever because we need it for our defense.)
"Binangit natin 'yung intention natin na kung puwede ay manatili 'yung Typhon dito sa Pilipinas. Wala pa, we're still waiting for their response," he added.
(We mentioned our intention to continue the deployment, if possible, of the Typhon missile system here in the Philippines. Nothing yet, we're still waiting for the response of the US.)
The US army flew the Typhon, which can launch missiles including SM-6 missiles and Tomahawks with a range exceeding 1,600 km (994 miles), to the Philippines in April in what it called a "historic first" and a "significant step in our partnership with the Philippines."
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in July issued a statement expressing concern over the presence of the US intermediate-range missile system. China also accused the US of provoking an arms race in the South China Sea (SCS).
Brawner denied China's allegation, adding that the presence of the US missile system aims to boost the Philippines' defense capability.
"Kailangan nating palakasin 'yung depensa natin and that is Philippine interest in our minds (We need to strengthen our defense and that is Philippine interest in our minds)," he said.
"...Dapat palakasin natin 'yung ating Armed Forces nang sa gayon ay makabuo tayo ng defensive posture, credible defense posture so that we will be able to deter any intentions of any country, ano, to violate our sovereignty and our sovereign rights," he added.
(We must strengthen our Armed Forces so that we can build a defensive posture, a credible defense posture, so that we will be able to deter any intentions of any country which may seek to violate our sovereignty and our sovereign rights.)
No immediate plans
Citing sources with knowledge of the matter, Reuters reported last week that the United States has no immediate plans to withdraw the mid-range missile system deployed in the Philippines, despite Chinese demands, and is testing the feasibility of its use in a regional conflict.
A recent satellite image by Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, and reviewed by Reuters shows the Typhon system at Laoag International Airport in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, close to the Taiwan Strait.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was asked in an interview with US news program 60 Minutes regarding China's concern that the presence of the Typhon system incites geopolitical confrontation.
"It is not their business. It is for the Philippine defense. What happens in our territory is for our defense. We follow international law," Teodoro said.
Wish list
Meanwhile, Brawner said that under the Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program, the military's priorities are acquiring more ships, fighter jets, and cyber defense equipment.
"Kailangan natin ng mas maraming barko so that we can have effective presence in the West Philippine Sea kasi nga nakikita natin ang the name of the game is presence. Kung sino 'yung nandun siya 'yung may control nu'ng area na 'yun," he said.
(We need more ships so that we can have an effective presence in the West Philippine Sea, because we see that the name of the game is presence. Whoever is there is the one in control of that area.)
"'Yung ating mga platforms for maritime patrol, for instance 'yung mga aircraft like multirole fighters kailangan din nating dagdagan, 'yung mga jet fighters natin," he added.
(We also need to increase our platforms for maritime patrol, for instance the aircraft like multirole fighters, our jet fighters.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News
