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Friday, November 7, 2014

Philippine Coast Guard - Focusing on the Modernization of its Naval and Air Assets

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) previously announced their upcoming modernization program that will improve their capabilities, which includes the acquisition of new assets and equipment including new aircraft, patrol vessels and small boats, construction light houses, installation of coastal surveillance and communications systems, acquisition of rescue equipment, and others. The most recent acquisition plan include patrol vessels from France, wherein there were 2 separate acquisition plans that were brought up last year.


The 54-meter San Juan-class search and rescue vessels are currently the most capable ships in the Philippine Coast Guard. Built by Tenix of Australia, there are 4 ships in service with the PCG since 2000.


Among those in the pipeline are one 80-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and four 24-meter Inshore Patrol Boats from France, ten 40-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) from Japan, at least 2 large patrol vessels, as well as new helicopters and aircraft. MaxDefense will be focusing on the major materiel acquisition done or being undertaken by the Philippine Coast Guard as part of its modernization effort. 



La Audacieuse-class (P400) Offshore Patrol Vessel:
MaxDefense previously discussed the planned acquisition of a former French Navy La Audacieuse-class (P400) offshore patrol vessel, the ex-La Tapageuse, in another blog entry. Originally planned for acquisition directly from the French government, the deal was not pursued by the Philippine government after the acquisition policies of the government took the PCG too long to confirm the acquisition, and the French government was not in a position to wait for the PCG as well. It was instead sold to French shipbuilder Piriou, which in turn refurbished and sold it to the Gabonese government as part of a larger deal that involves the sale of a brand new 58-meter OPV made jointly by Piriou and DCNS.


The La Tapageuse is now bound for the Gabonese Navy, although there are more La Audacieuse-class ships still available with the French Navy that are expected to be retired soon.


As previously announced by the Philippines' Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), which is the parent ministry of the PCG, the estimated total cost to acquire and refurbish the ex-La Tapageuse was about €6.3 million. This is actually cheap considering that after the refurbishment works, it is expected that the ship can still serve the PCG for 15 years or more. With the La Tapageuse gone, it doesn't mean the end for PCG's quest for a La Audacieuse-class ship as the French Navy is scheduled to retire more of the class from service as they are replaced by newer ships. If the PCG could overcome the delays in approving the acquisition of pre-owned patrol vessels, they could have a chance of getting one, if not several of the ships of the class in the near future.


OCEA OPV 270 83-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel & FPB 72 24-meter Patrol Boats:
Another vessel acquisition program of the PCG that was recently in the limelight was the purchase of brand new French ships, using the budget previously allocated by former President Gloria Arroyo's administration to construct several Ro-Ro ports as part of its "Strong Republic Nautical Highway" project funded mostly by French government loans. With current President Benigno Aquino III overturning the project due to belief of anomalies made by the previous administration, the budget was then used to acquire new patrol vessels and boats for the PCG instead. 

While the decision to divert the loan funds was made early in the Aquino administration, it was only on November 2014 that announcements were publicly made by OCEA confirming that they would be supplying the 80-meter OPV to the PCG as part of a €90 million contract. Being a French-funded loan, it is only right that French shipbuilders be given the chance to supply the boats. OCEA confirmed during the Euronaval 2014 that the PCG will acquire a single 80-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel based on their new OPV 270 design. Although they did not made any announcement in Euronaval 2014, OCEA previously confirmed the acqusition of four 24-meter Patrol Boats based on their proven FPB 72 design by the PCG at Euronaval 2012 event.

According to NavyRecognition, the OPV 270 patrol vessel's hull is made from marine aluminum, with a length of 83 meters, a maximum range of around 4,500 to 8,000 kilometers at 15 knots, an endurance of 30 to 45 days, and a maximum speed of around 26 knots. It has a crew of 44 men, can take from 3 to 6 VIP passengers and 20 passengers. It will be powered by twin diesel engines. From the photos provided in open sources, the ship also has a helicopter deck capable of accepting light to medium-sized helicopters like the Airbus Helicopters Dauphin. This would probably take the role of the PCG's flagship once it enters service until a larger, more capable vessel becomes available.


OCEA's OPV 270 was selected to fulfill a requirement of the PCG for an 80-meter Offshore Patrol Vessel.
Photo taken from OCEA c/o NavyRecognition website.


From its description, it appears to be similar to a US Coast Guard medium-sized cutter of the Famous/Bear-class, although with a shorter range but with less men and probably lighter displacement. This is due to the aluminum material for use to build the ship, which is far lighter than marine steel. But this also means that the ship is prone to collision damage, and may not be used by the PCG on high seas showdown with the China Coast Guard or any other civilian maritime agencies in the region which involves a lot of rough cheek to cheek bumping. Aluminum-made hulls do not have the same structural strength as steel-made hulls, and it would be advisable for the PCG for this ship to avoid such incidents. 


The FPB 72 inshore patrol boat from OCEA.
Photo taken from metermarine.com. 


The FPB 72 inshore patrol boats are smaller boats, also made using aluminum material which is OCEA's specialty. It has a length of 24 meters, and a maximum speed of around 32 knots. Based on its appearance alone, it would probably be used only on waters closer to land and would probably have almost the same characteristics as the Philippine Navy's Jose Andrada-class patrol gunboats which are also at 24 meters long. Aside from the PCG, the FPB 72 was selected by the navies of Suriname and Nigeria for inshore patrol duties.

Since this acquisition came from diverted funds, it would be doubtful if the PCG would order additional units, except if France will continue to provide financial assistance for similar programs in the near future. 



Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV) from Japan
A major acquisition project for the PCG also includes the Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRV), in which the PCG will acquire 10 units to be assigned to its coast guard districts. An ongoing project, it is currently in the bidding stage as required by the Japanese government which provided the funding as part of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement project of the PCG. The project is worth JPY 18.732 billion (around $187 million).

Currently the bidding was moved from October 30, 2014 to November 14, 2014 due to a number of queries that needs to be cleared from the respective bidders. All bidders are qualified Japanese companies as required by the loan agreement between the Philippine and Japanese governments. As of August 2014, shortlisted candidates for the project to supply 10 MMRV are Japan Marine United Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Niigata Shipbuilding and Repair, Inc., and Sumidagawa Shipyard Co. Inc., all of which have experience in building small to large patrol vessels for the Japan Coast Guard. It is expected that the first vessel will be delivered to the PCG by December 2015, if all goes well according to the DOTC & PCG's plans. Aside from the shipbuilders, the PCG also acquired the services of a Construction Supervision Consultant to assist the PCG in project management works.


There are speculations that the specifications are very close to the Japan Coast Guard's very own Bizan-class 180-ton patrol vessels, although there are no final confirmations yet on the design.
Photo taken from Vessel & Ships Photo Gallery website.


According to the Technical Specifications made available by the DOTC, the ships will have the following details:

- are expected to be at least 40 meters long, but not more than 45 meters long;
- maximum speed of at least 25 knots at 110% maximum continuous output of main engine at half loading condition without sea margin;
- with a range of not less than 1,500 miles at 15 knots;
- an endurance of 7 days;
- will have a complement of 5 officers and 20 crew;
- capable of transporting 15 passengers in addition to the ship complement;
- hull will be deep V-chine mono hull type, made of full welded high tensile steel and aluminum alloy;
- able to withstand flooding of any two contiguous compartments;
- powered by two V-type, 4-cycle high speed marine diesel engines, maximum output of not less than 2,000kW at 110% MCO, with twin fixed pitch aluminum bronze propellers;
- will have a deck crane and a 5-meter RHIB work boat;
- RHIB work boat will have a speed of around 30 knots at 2 persons loading, with portable GPS, spare fuel tank and repair kit;
- the ship will have an external firefighting system, consists of one 2,600 liters/minute water monitor with 50-meter range and remotely operated, and two 1,000 liters/minute water monitor with 30-meter range, and one independent fire extinguishing pump;
- to have day and night surveillance camera, CCD camera / thermal imager with 2-axis stabilizer;
- a VHF radio direction finder;
- a remote-stabilized 2KW Xenon searchlight;
- 200 kHz 600W echosounder;
- an X-band navigation radar and Satcom system;
- a requirement for special spare parts are included.

There were suspicions that the design might be close or derived from the Japan Coast Guard's very own 40-meter patrol vessel of the Bizan-class, but it is still unclear if shipbuilders will be using a current design from the JCG, or they are free to provide a design based on their own interpretation of the technical specifications. 



Large Offshore Patrol Vessels
There are still plans by the PCG to acquire larger offshore patrol vessels, expected to be more than 90 meters in length, and will be larger than any of the current and future ships in its inventory. 

There were previous reports that the PCG was in talks with the Japanese government to acquire two new 90 to 100-meter high endurance vessels, although no further confirmation was made to this. The latest on this was even revealed by the PCG Commandant during ADAS 2014. These were previously requested some years ago but was shelved due to lack of budget, but was being brought back in as the government support to improve the PCG's capabilities might be able to fund these acquisitions.

During the 4th Annual OPV Asia Pacific Conference held last March 2014, the PCG presented its requirements for large patrol vessels in the 80 to 125-meter category. 

Among the requirements brought out by the PCG for their large OPV include the following:
- capable of sustaining speeds of at least 15 knots (full load) and 20 knots (light load);
- accommodate not less than 57 officers and crew (7 officers and 50 crew), and at least 35 passengers (1 VIP, 2 medical officers and 32 survivors);
- can cover a range of not less than 4,500 nautical miles at designed cruising speed;
- capable of operating up to Sea State 5, and could hurdle up to Sea State 6;
- capable of conducting continuous maritime patrol for a period of 10 to 15 days based on its designed patrol speed of 15 knots;
- an overall length between 80 to 125 meters, and breadth of not less than 14 meters;
- powered by two medium-speed marine diesel engines;
- can support helicopter operations and have helicopter deck;
- can carry two high speed RHIB with capacity for 10 people;
- with decompression chamber.


A good example of a coast guard patrol vessel that fits the PCG's technical specifications is the Je-Min-class 1500-ton patrol vessel of the Korean Coast Guard. Although an older model, shipbuilders can always provide new designs that suite the PCG's requirements.
Photo taken from Hyundai Heavy Industries website.


No confirmation was made whether the above specifications apply for the recently signed contract to acquire an OCEA OPV 270, but with the specifications above it appears that it was for a larger vessel, which might be what the PCG earlier requested. Currently, the Japan Coast Guard's large patrol vessels have less breadth than required by the PCG, although it is possible for Japanese shipbuilders to create a specific design derived from existing JCG patrol vessels. Another good example are those from Korea like the Je-Min-class large patrol vessels built by several Korean shipbuilders like Hyundai and Hanjin. This alternative is good considering that Hanjin has a major shipbuilding facility in Subic that can be used instead of building one abroad.

Aside from these requests for new large patrol vessels, there were previous reports that the PCG also tried to acquire old JCG patrol vessels that are scheduled for decommissioning, among them are said to be a couple of Shiretoko-class patrol vessels. But sources indicate that the JCG was planning to extend the lives of these ships in light of the territorial disputes with China and increased government and public moral and financial support to strengthen the JCG.

There were previous attempts to acquire Shiretoko-class ships from the JCG, but did not materialize after the JCG decided to extend the service lives of these large but ageing ships.



Minor Inshore/Coastal Boats Acquisitions:
There were also requirements for 300 units of aluminum-hulled rescue boats, 81 units of rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB), 90 rubber boats, and 6 personal water crafts (jet-ski). These are minor assets that are expected for use for inshore, coastal, and riverine duties; for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), and search and rescue (SAR). The acquisition, all under the DOTC's Procurement of PCG Disaster Response & Rescue Equipment, were separated into several lots, although MaxDefense will only cover the watercrafts involved:
Lot 1 - 50 units of Rubber Boats
Lot 2 - 300 units of Aluminum V-shaped Boats with Outboard Motor
Lot 3 - 81 units of Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats and 6 units of Personal Watercraft 

This project was later on divided into 3 parts, with the original program continuing as the first part, and covered the watercraft requirements under Lot 2. The second part, which was later renamed as the Php294M Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Equipment project, covered the Lot 1 acquisition. The third part was named as the Php521M Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Equipment project, covers the Lot 3 acquisition. MaxDefense discusses these projects based on how the DOTC & PCG divided the projects, and are as follows:

a. Procurement of PCG Disaster Response & Rescue Equipment:
Originally, this project should cover all the entire watercraft and rescue equipment acquisition of the PCG, but was later on sub-divided due to the need to award the different requirements to different bidders, and the timeline was also considered. Only the Lot 2, or the acquisition of 300 units of aluminum V-shaped boats with outboard motor (OBM) was successfully undertaken in this program.


The PCG selected Propmech's Rescue 550 aluminum v-hulled boat for its requirements. 300 units were procured.
Photo taken from Propmech's official website.


The DOTC provided the technical specifications for the aluminum V-shaped boats, and the summary are as follows:

- Category C in boat design, v-shaped hull and aluminum welded construction;
- a length of between 5 to 6 meters, width between 1.8 to 2.5 meters;
- hull minimum thickness of 3mm, and draft with maximum payload depend on boat design;
- capacity of 10 men, or a maximum payload between 1,200 to 1,500 kilograms;
- with 2,500cd search light, all around navigation light;
- to include 2 paddles and a galvanized trailer with water tight axle;
- powered by 4-stroke EFI fuel injection engine outboard motor, with output of 40hp

The project was awarded on December 2012 to Propmech Corporation under a contract worth Php 202.980 million. Honda Philippines Inc. supplied the 4-stroke outboard motors to Propmech Corp. 


One of the aluminum boats being tested with its Honda 4-stroke engine already installed.
Photo taken from the Manila Bulletin website.


b. Php295M Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Equipment:
A second bidding attempt was made for the remaining unawarded items, which includes the rubber boats, RHIB, and jetskis, but after the project was completed, only the rubber boats and other non-watercraft items were awarded. 40 other rubber boats were already procured earlier, and this specific acquisition fulfilled the total requirement for 90 units.

The DOTC allocated Php 43.5 million for the acquisition of 50 rubber boats, and they released the technical specifications for the rubber boats required with the summary are as follows:

- should be brand new with 5 years warranty and service support;
- the buoyancy tube fabric material should be 1,600 to 2,500 decitex;
- should be colored with International Orange/Red;
- with Quick fit aluminum floor board;
- capacity to carry 9 to 10 men;
- an inside length of between 3.2 to 3.4 meters, an inside width of between 0.8 to 1.0 meter;
- weight carrying capacity of 1,100 to 1,300 kilograms;
- powered by brand new outboard motor with 40hp output.

The bid was won by Propmech Corporation on December 2013, with a contract amount of Php 33.749 million. Zodiac Marine, a well know manufacturer of  high quality utility and sports rubber boats, was chosen by Propmech Corporation, and the first batches were delivered to the PCG immediately. 


Some of the rubber boats supplied by Propmech Corporation, which were manufactured by international brand Zodiac Marine. One of the newly acquired aluminum boats is also in the background.
Photo taken from Dumaguetenews website.


c. Php521M Philippine Coast Guard Rescue Equipment:
The third phase includes the acquisition of the RHIB and the Jet-skis. This is still an ongoing project, and has not yet been award to any bidder as of this blog's writing. The DOTC has released the technical specifications for the RHIB requirements, and the summary are as follows:

- brand new units with 5 years warranty and after sales service;
- suitable for patrol and interception tasks, transportation of crew and equipment, rescue operations, and diving support;
- with a length of between 6 to 7 meters, an overall beam of around 2.3 to 2.6 meters, a draught between 0.50 to 1 meter;
- designed speed of 30 knots with 6-man seating capacity
- a seating capacity of 6 persons and a maximum capacity of 10 persons;
- weight without engine & equipment between 640 to 700 kilograms;
- powered by two outboard motors, output at 90HP, 4-stroke EFI engine;
- Deep V hull configuration, with hull thickness of 5mm, made of fiber reinforced plastic hull for rigid hull construction;
- with two fuel tanks with capacity of 150 liters each;


The Willard Marine Sea Force 670 (above) is at almost the same category as those being specified by the PCG for its RHIB requirements. 



The Personal Water Craft (Jet-ski) specifications are as follows:

- an overall length between 2.5 to 3.5 meters;
- a top speed of 30 to 40 knots;
- sitting capacity for 2 people.


2-seat Jetskis used by the US Coast Guard in a training exercise. Similar crafts are required by the PCG.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.


The Coast Guard Districts that are scheduled to receive the RHIBs and Jet-skis are listed in the Terms of Reference provided on the link.


Following the specifications above, a comparable product example is Willard Marine's Sea Force 670 series, or the larger Sea Force 730 series, as based on the provided specifications of the product. The Philippine Navy and other civilian armed services are long time users of Willard Marine RHIB products, and it is not impossible for their products to be included in the tender. 



Multi-purpose Helicopters:
The PCG also bared plans to acquire several helicopters to beef up its air assets, which are mostly comprised of old MBB Bo-105 helicopters and BN-2 Islander light aircraft. Previous plans by the PCG a few years ago point at acquiring helicopters from then Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters), specifically the EC145 which were to be acquired using German government Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds. 

But recent PCG announcements, like those made by the PCG Commandant within this year points to the acquisition of 7 helicopters from Bell Helicopter Textron, specifically the Bell 412EP. So far no orders have been made, and acquisition of new air assets to complement the Bo-105s in PCG service has already been too delayed. MaxDefense believes that choosing the Bell 412EP is actually a better choice, with the same helicopter model chosen by the Philippine Air Force as its new Combat Utility Helicopters to complement and replace the ageing Bell UH-1H Huey, it is expected that support and maintenance for these birds will be available in the country in the long term.


Bell 412 helicopters of the Turkish Coast Guard.
Photo owned by Kerem Bektas.



Looking Forward...
The Philippine Coast Guard is on the way to expand and modernize its current assets, the force is also increasing their manpower, improving the knowledge and skills of the entire force, enhancing their cooperation with regional and global coast guard organizations, and improving their materiel to increase their detection, interdiction, search and rescue, HADR and law enforcement capabilities. Overall, more needs to be done by the Philippine government, in providing the necessary financial and legal support for the PCG, and allowing them to be a force strong enough to assist in the many security, emergency, and natural calamity challenges the country faces.

MaxDefense also suggests that the Philippine government make use of the PCG to assert its maritime interests and policies, now that most of its neighbors are engaged in a "white versus white" game in areas with conflicting interests like the West Philippine Sea. The PCG has been left behind in almost every aspects by its neighbors like China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Malaysia, and this would be detrimental to the country's national policies. 


The PCG should be the one enforcing the maritime claims and enforcement of Philippine laws in its Exclusive Economic Zone, and must be ready to encounter China Coast Guard ships similar to the photo above.


It's not too late though. Being a civilian agency, it would be easier to fill out the budgetary issues of the PCG due to its access to loans, grants, and other sources that the Philippine Navy would surely envy. The Philippine government, under a strong and supportive DOTC, could actually expand this modernization effort as part of its overall strategy of enforcing its maritime policies in cooperation with the Philippines' Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA), National Defense (DND), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Energy (DOE), and Agriculture (DA).




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UPDATES:
==========
April 20, 2015:
The Department of Transportation and Communication has awarded the contract to construct and deliver ten (10) 40-meter Multirole Response Vessels (MRRV) for the Philippine Coast Guard to the Japan Marine United Corporation (JMUC). They submitted the lowest calculated bid of ¥12.79 billion (Php 4.8 billion), which includes "standard spare parts and tools, crew training, ocean transport, and marine insurance". They were up against the bids from other Japanese countries, which are the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Niigata Shipbuilding & Repair Inc., and Sumidagawa Shipyard Co. Ltd.

The ships are expected to have a cruising speed of 16 knots, and a range of 1,500 nmi. No indication yet if the range given is the maximum range, and what the maximum speed is. 

Since the project cost is less than the committed loan the Japanese government will provide, it is still unclear if the loan will cover the entire cost of the project, or if the Philippine government will shoulder part of the costs as originally planned.

200 comments:

  1. About the Japanese MRRVs, why ten vessels only and not twelve (one each per CG District)? JICA loan ito at sana sinagad na nila.

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    Replies
    1. I believe the original plan presented by the Philippines for its counter terrorism action plan in 2011 was for 13 units. No exact explanation though why it was decreased to 10.

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    2. Yes, that was 13. The 2 100m vessels in that APEC commitment seem to be intended to the 2 SAR bases being constructed in Culasi and Laguindingan. Any idea what helicopter models they are looking at besides the EC 145 and Bell 412? Are they being limited by the capacity of the San Juan class's helipad capacity? Thanks.

      Delete
    3. 2 35-40 meter vessel for New PCG SAR base in Culasi, Roxas City not 100 meter vessel. With 2 helicopters in the new base. Good luck PCG.

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. The AW109 is too small if compared to Bell 412. A better AW alternative is the larger but probably more expensive AW139 helicopter used by many Coast Guard units around the world.

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    2. $14 Million each for a brand new Bell 412. It's a good choice. It comes with a hoist too so that's a plus

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  3. Nice blog SIr Max.. Galling mo tlga! very informative.: Hiblood

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  4. Propmech is on the up and up. I can see them making 25 meter patrol boats in the near future. That is, if the next is not corrupt. *cough Binay

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  5. I hope with the acquisition of 4 24 meter patrol vessel would give way for their Ilocos Norte class or the Pampanga class into territorial patrol duties.. This new patrol boats will serve best in inshore patrols.

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  6. Ironic isn't it that the PCG buys new ships (most of the time) while the PN settles for secondhand ships (all the time). Heck even the frigate acquisition is out of sight nowadays.

    I think the PCG is very limiting in terms of specifying the endurance of their ships. I'm surprised the 90-125m requirement states only 15 days. If they want to help assert those maritime interests then they should have at most 30-45 days endurance (like the del Pilar class of the PN). And why not procure at least 2 high-end ships for this requirement that can also ram CCG vessels out there.

    If much funds are available, I'd settle for the AW139, which inarguably the best in its class. Or maybe even the AW109 for commonality reasons.

    P

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  7. I think the PCG should also include in their specifications for it's planned procurement of ships and boats to be fitted wih naval ram so it can be used for ramming Chinese CG ships and illegal Chinese wooden fishing vessels.

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  8. After procuring two brand new large vessels, PCG should consider acquiring USCG WHEC's after the PN gets the desired number of GDP class in it's arsenal. It will boost their capabilities securing our EEZ with more number of large vessels. As for why PCG has brand new vessels compared to PN. your comparing apples to orange. PCG vessels are more of maritime patrols, un equip with weapons systems and etc. designed not for combat situations as compared to PN ships. It weapons systems that drives the cost of a combat vessel

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  9. We cannot rival in china in terms of navy power, at lease we could catch up to them in terms of coast guard.

    Sir Max, is the 82 M patrol boat and the 10 40m patrol boats are equipped with water cannons? hehe, just wanna know...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Better transfer or turnover all the ships and boats of the PN except the frigates to the PCG so that it will have more teeth and capability in catching illegal Chinese fishing vessels. They will be more useful with the PCG bec. they will produce results from their law-enforcement duties and useless with the PN.bec. they cannot be used to engage Chinese naval ships and even Chinese CG ships.

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    2. The OCEA 83m boat are equipped with firefighting water cannons, which can also be used for other purposes.

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    3. @Roberts another way to increase PCG assets relatively cheaply is too acquire second hand boats from countries like India which is retiring some of their coast guard assets and even South Korea which will decommission a lot of their PKMs or chamsuris similar to what the PN did with the acquisition into the Tomas Batillo class

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    4. The problem is our government has no more available funds to procure additional military hardwares for the remaining 2 years of the Aquino Administration unless he re-aligns the budget from other departments or procure them under credit loans with foreign governments or financial institutions.

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  10. Given that PCG has access to oda funds and the simpler designs they have compared to naval vessels they have been very very frustratingly slow. That is the influence of the mar roxas analysis paralysis administration in dotc that is still very much in place. Also with hostile southern territory any ship larger than 40 meters should be armed with a bushmaster autocanon.

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  11. Its better if Government will support local ship builder like Propmech. I dont think why Aquion Government insisting foreign shipbuilder to build ship to our Navy and Coast Guard? Due process? law? internaytional law? My God.... That is why Im very eager to support Mayor Duterte to be our next President and Im pretty sure were going to have a fast modernization. Kulang lang kasi to sa mga nag ha handle ng bidding sa AFP modernization pukpukin sa ulo para mapabilis ang modernization. You see, its almost 5 years already and the Aquino administration and the AFP has no missile capable ship and Plane in their inventory. HAIIIIIIIZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am not sure why you say that the government is insisting on foreign shipbuilders. Local shipbuilders can bid in any project, and if their bid meets the qualifications needed and is the lowest bidder, then they will win. Propmech already won a few projects, for example.

      If you want a local shipbuilder to win regardless of their qualifications and price, that's dangerous.

      Delete
    2. I agree with anonymous. In fact the invitation to bid does not specifically says that they are inviting foreign shipbuilders. It just so happen that most of the local shipbuilder is not yet able to meet the basic qualifications. Remember military and paramilitary ships are more complicated to build than civilian version.

      Morever, let us not be naive, AFP modernization does not depend alone on the President. Keep in mind that the power of the purse belong to congress. If you want fast modernization of the AFP, lobby on the congress to pass laws funding military purchases. Direct legislative acts which order the military to purchase this and that.

      Lastly Mr. Lem, please stop enunciating that following the rule of law and the right process is wrong. It is not good. We are on a stage where people are very critical to corruption. To tell them not to follow the rules will put their job on jeopardy. They might end up in jail.

      Delete
  12. tama na ang diskusyunan ng mga modernization na yan.. isa lang masabi ko failure ang Aquino administration sa pag modernize ng AFP natin.... bagsak!! agree ako sa kanya sa taas kay Duterte na lang ako boboto ala Marcos..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I Think You're Getting The Wrong Picture. Compared To The Other Administration, The Aquino Administration Is The Only One Serious In Modernizing The AFP. If Not For Aquino, We Don't Have New Assets In Our Armed Forces

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    2. As what a lot of people here have said already, the Aquino government is the only government that has taken the AFP Modernization seriously. PNoy deserves credit for what he has done, IMHO, procuring expensive defense assets is not as easy as you think in the Philippines.

      Take these as samples:

      * North Korea is building up their military at the expense of their starving citizens, PH budget is not focused on defense (even if it should given the current scenario).
      * China controls their media which makes their citizens think the way their government wants them, with no opposition. In PH, the media highlights what Bayad-Muna rallies, or what Mommy Dionisia does in her free time. I mean, the media should work hand in hand with nation building, enlighten the citizens with what is going on, instill patriotism, support modernization.
      *Pnoy has to go thru a myriad of corrupt government people (and procedures) inside and outside the military, he needs to be careful not to put a big dent on his "matuwid na daan".
      *The lawmakers has to do their share of strengthening the military, currently the most they do is passing up useless laws and laws for their own benefit. Remember the congressman who opposed the ASW acquisition? Those guys aren't helping.
      * Lastly, we all know, the US can spend, PH can not. If Pnoy had more funds, delays will be not as long as we have right now.

      - Neo

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    3. I agree with you Neo. In Pinoy requested budget I think it was Social Services, Education, Public Works have the highest priority even Defense needed more funds for modernization program. Ask Congress for more funds for AFP, Congress is the one approving the Budget.
      Out of topic: Can Supreme Court monitors and speed up the Ampatuan massacre case? Philippine Supreme Court should know that the whole world was waiting and getting tired and getting hopeless as witnesses are getting killed.

      Delete
  13. Sa tingin mo b makabuti yun sa Banda nag ganung pamamahala? Ngayon pa nga lng nag-iingay na yang mga militants na yan. Panu kaya kung si Duterte ang pangulo? Naka tira kna b Davao? Sa tingin mo b yung policy Nya about bars na until 12 midnyt lng? Umbra b yun sa Manila at sa boung Bansa? Panu mo nman nasasabi na walalang nagawa si Pnoy sa modernization? Hndi k pa b masque sa mga mobile ng administration n tuh.. Take note ngayon LNG nagkaroon ng deriksyon ang

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  14. At kelan ba Na huling naalala mo sa nagdaan MGA administration na nagging supportive sa AFP modernization? Ngayon LNG nman tuh tuh nangyari. It seems you are a regular follower of this blog. And yet you don't get what sir Max explanation that it's not about the President! it about our existing law that slows down the process.. We both have the same sentiments regarding fast modernization of AFP.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ayaw ni Duterte maging presidente. Si Miriam Defensor gusto niya kaya Defense Secretary na lang si Duterte. AFP Chief of Staff si Roilo Golez at Foreign Affairs Secretary naman si Alfredo Lim. Pag nagsama-sama sila baka mapabilis na modernization ng AFP. Sa PNP bagay ang Tulfo brothers.

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  16. I am not sure what Duterte will do if elected as president. I prefer Bongbong; he will rebuild our armed forces for sure

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bongbong is actually urging PH to push thru with bilateral talks with China, which is what China wants. I would go ahead in saying his father, although corrupt is a patriot, Bongbong - not so much.

      - Neo

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    2. there are still too many marcos groupies in this country

      Delete
  17. yan..yan ang mali sa mga tao nat to..kahit pagpili ng presidente nag dadalawang isip kaya di makag decision ng tama kaya napupunta sa maling tao kung minsan sng namamahala ng ating gobyerno.kaya systema ng pamamahala ng modernization urong sulong...I agree with robert robert. that is why choosing the best president is very important. kailangan na talaga ng kamay na bakal ang hahawak sa pamahalaan.

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  18. their is still a filipino here which decision is not firm in choosing people to govern the philippines that is why navy has a slow modernization...their is a way to dupport our local ship builders such as herma shipping, propmech and other if government is eager to support totally.just becsuse of wrong and foreign sided law we could not give priority and support those local company. go lem1 and robert..your both right on this

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  19. @ Roberts; approve ako dyan sa idea mo..

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  20. In a way, it's sad to think the 2 90+ meter OPVs in the PCG's pipeline is more of possibility than the PNs brand new frigates. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the PCG's acquisitions, their brand new ships are going to help immensely, it's just that IMHO, it's taking too long for the PN to come up with frigates which would eventually be "light" frigates anyway.

    And if those brand new frigates aren't falling under the "quality" side of the "quality vs. quantity" in terms of available hulls, the PN should rather look around for older ships to acquire. I'm quite optimistic the budget for those brand new frigates would get you old-but-still-capable ASW ships and enough weapons to boot.

    - Neo

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  21. Dark blue fonts are too hard to read. Pls make color lighter. Thx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @ Anon, you have to adjust your screen brightness or else all colors other than white will be hard to read.

      Delete
    2. Red, Yellow, Orange, SkyBlue.. :)

      Delete
    3. yea i think so all you of the color letter is very hard to read i need to highlight to make it readable maybe making it bold just plain white will do

      Delete
    4. anything from yellow , orange or flourescent green will be better. thanks

      Delete
    5. Those in bold blue colors are actually links. Last time I used the default color but its difficult to spot in the blog.

      Delete
  22. ano klaseng utak mayroon ang ating PCG binibili barko pang pampang lang. iwas lang sa mga intsik. Hindi maitataboy ang mga chinese na ito kundi gagamit ng malalaking barko tulad ng sa USCG Cutter. PCG must be aggresive to acquire at least two cutter due for decomissioning kung ayaw ng ating PN. Look whats happening to our frigate acquisition until now its almost a year wala pa rin nangyayari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's not really PCG's call, but the national government's policy. The Aquino administration is intentionally clipping the PCG to avoid such confrontation with CCG ships. As to why, well let's just say it has something to do with our partner's request.

      Delete
    2. It's "too early" for a physical confrontation right now because we do not have the assets required to go to the next level.
      If PCG confronts China this year, we don't have subs or frigates on standby. What the PN and Aquino wants is to delay kinetic confrontation for as long as possible until the cost is too high for China beat our Navy. Take China vs Japan or China vs Vietnam for example.

      Delete
    3. HAHAHA....Clipping the PCG's capability!. Does this mean the Phil frigate acquisition is also intentionally being delayed by third party request other than the meddling politicians?

      -fmo

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    4. Partner's request? US, Japan?

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    5. Hi Max,

      Re:MRRV - The total funding for the ten (10) units would be $213.2M. Apart from the JICA loan, the govt of the Philippines was required to put up a counterpart amount of $34.72M.

      Page 10 of the Neda PDF :
      http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Q2-ODA-Pipeline-with-Status-Final.pdf

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    6. I'ts obvious that our partner "Uncle Sam" requested to tone down our aggressivenes to avoid further clashes with the Chinese Coast guard on our very own Philippine waters. What a "P" partner as a Mutual defense treaty Ally....///athetic.

      Delete
    7. Hi fmo, not really. In fact, the PH government is being asked to speed up modernization, and increase budgeting.

      Delete
    8. Least the Filipino's forget the Sabah issues a long time ago, "Uncle Sam didn't support the Philippines and its the other way around... who is in control of Sabah now? "Uncle Sam" is gun shy right now and is weary of another war.....

      Delete
    9. You say speed up Sir Max? It's been a year since the Frigate acquisition program, and still there is no winner on the said bidding. They also hired a professional consultant for 25M. May delaying tactics na din pala sa Bidding, kala ko sa Korte lang un...

      Delete
  23. so many chiefs but no indians.

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  24. Any idea what helicopter models they are looking at besides the EC 145 and Bell 412? Are they being limited by the capacity of the San Juan class's helipad capacity?

    ReplyDelete
  25. it should be armed, china would think twice of ramming our ships.

    ReplyDelete
  26. The natural resources and oil wealth of Sabah and Spratly Islands are worth trillions of US dollars that can make the Philippines a very rich country. But with Malaysia and China spending many times more in their military budget than us every year, there is no chance that we can reclaim back Sabah and Spratly Islands from them ever. The Aquino Administration knows that and that is why it is content with just resolving it's disputes with China and Malysia peacefully and diplomatically. Pnoy is already giving signs that he wanted to sleep with the enemies by praising China in the APEC meeting and the reason why Pnoy did not supported Sultan Kiram of Sulu in his fight to reclaim Sabah and sided instead with the Malaysian government.

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  27. what happening with the PCG. The power to select the best equipment is in their hands but they did not take advantage of. Like getting two or more 80m instead of small patrol craft. selection of speed they only preferred 15 to 25 knots which should have been 30 to 45 knots the patrol boats from japan with a top speed of 15 knots they can only catch a speeding banca of illegal fisher. speed boats of lawless elements like abu sayaf, drug sindicate or illegal pouchers or pirates is highly impossible if they are using speed boat cruising at 30 knots. Itong PCG puro paurong hindi pasulong. or maybe the PCG are not akin to the fast speed of 40 knots because their active ships runs to a speed of 8 to 10 knots kaya sanay na sila sa ganoon bilis

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  28. So this is what we get from the French loan. 1 big aluminum ship and 4 patrol boats. Hahaha. Forgive me but i feel this is a big joke. Mag international loan man lang tayo tapos patrol boat lang kayang bilhin with matching 1 aluminum ship? I think it’s a waste of money in our part. These 27 meter patrol boat can be built at local shipyards and maybe half the cost. And what is special with this 1 unit Aluminum ship? It can't even make confrontation with other coast guard vessel using steel hulled ships. The only I can think of is a good flagship of the coast guard because of its sleek design. Coast guard ships are for enforcement and ready for any confrontation and not for beauty contest.
    The previous administration's 4 units 57 meters and 4 units Tenix vessels i believe are better and also came from a loan.
    I still believe that the original loans intended for ror-ro ports by the previous administration is practical and can have enormous economic benefits long term than these present set-up.

    Renbios

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We need to accept all offer is all bcoz of submarine plan to acquire

      Delete
    2. We need to accept all offer is all bcoz of submarine plan to acquire

      Delete
    3. I agree with you, instead of a loan from other countries, we could make our own here in the the Philippines. We have Austal,Tsuneishi, Hanjin, local shipyards like Herma and many more... 4th largest shipbuilder in the world and our navy and coast guard lack ships.

      Delete
    4. ....instead of a loan from other countries, we could make our own here in the Philippines....
      -Philippines request for loan simply because we have no money/ budget for these acquisitions.
      -And those other countries giving us loans requires us to use their own shipbuilders.

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    5. Guys, read the story behind this acquisition before making comments.

      Delete
    6. No money? Eh? Pnoy has just signed Php 160 Billion($3.6 Billion) rehab budget for Yolanda victims. If the Government can allocate that much then they could also do it for our AFP. If they are really serious... Compared to our Php 75 Billion for 5 years.

      Delete
    7. Ask mar roxas why dotc made such decisions. Mar has still "some oversight" functions on dotc affairs. His people are still there.

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    8. Pinoy is just submitting a proposed Budget to Congress and Congress is the one reviewing, revising and approving the Budget.

      Delete
    9. But still 160 Billion is too much for rehab. If the Tongressmen and Senatong will review it baka mas malaki pa ang approved budget. You know, lapit na 2016, and this 160 Billion will be a target for those son of a B!tches para may pera sila sa election.

      Delete
  29. Ang hindi ko maintindihan bkt va china inuuna ntin kalabanin??eh yung malaysia dekada na tayo ginegera...sapamamagitan ng MILF tanong ko lang sir max pano ang sabah claim natin?ikaw dati kang sundalo ano masasabi mo s gnagawa sa atin ng malaysia at bakit ayaw natin ipush ang sabah claim??

    ReplyDelete
  30. Kung matindi ang galit sa Malaysia at China ng susunod nating presidente ay malamang na mabilis niyang palalakasin ang AFP para mabawi ang Sabah at Spratly Islands tulad ng mga liders ng North Korea na ata't na ata't nang lusubin ang South Korea kung hindi lang pinipigilan ng China at Russia.

    ReplyDelete
  31. May water cannon/firefighting system po ba ang mga ships ng PCG as of now?

    ReplyDelete
  32. More than one year have passed and nothing happened to the PN's Frigate acquisition project. The project already sank in the West Phil. Sea na parang bula. Probably tinamaan ito ng nahintong DAP program kaya nagbago na isip ni Pnoy na huwag nang ituloy at makipag areglo na lang sa China na ibahagi ang teritoryo natin imbes na gastusan ang modernization ng AFP. Pero wala ring nangyari sa pakikipag-areglo ni Pnoy sa Chinese leader dahil ang gusto na ng China ay solo lang niya ang buong Spratly Islands at hanggang 12-nm lang ang kinikilala ng China na sakop ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas. Kaya malabo nang mangyari ang future acquisitions ng AFP at ng PCG. We need the next president who has the mind of Vladimir Putin ng Russia and not a weak mind like that of Obama.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dahil sa DAP? Diba separate project naman ito at hindi ito galing sa DAF of PDAF. Kaso ang tagal.. Isang taon na wala pa din... Wag pa din mawalan ng pag asa kasi on going pa yung ASW helicopter. Hindi pwede yun sa Del Pilar kaya wag mwalan ng Pag Asa.. Kasi mawawala satn ang Pag asa...

      Delete
    2. blame your senators and congressmen, most of them do not care about the AFP or defense capabilities. they are more concerned on politics and corruption. Look at Enrile, been a defense minister for decade under Marcos and when he became a senator, he did not approved or create a bill to upgrade the AFP, but he surely acquired more personal properties thru corruption. this is just one example, that's why its all our fault when China takes all our EEZ. We did not do our homework and just slept.

      Delete
  33. and why cant the Philippine Government can give favor to those local shipbuilders such as Herma, propmech and Philippine Iron to build a small and medium fast boat to our Coast guard?????? why?? just becuase of international law? bidding? President Aquino just lessen to you Boss (Filipino People) support your local industry to compete those big ship builders and preparation to ASEAN integration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. International law has nothing to do with it and the government is already favoring local shipbuilders when possible.

      The government requires that bidders prove that they have built something similar recently. This ensures that the builder is actually capable of doing the project instead of merely saying it to win the project.

      The government requires that the ship meets a certain standard as specified in the project specifications. If the bidder can't meet it, then it doesn't matter if you are local, you're disqualified. This ensures that the AFP does not get substandard equipment.

      The government wants to get the lowest price possible, provided that the item in question meets the specification. Local builders get extra points in their favor, so their price can actually be a little bit higher than their foreign competitor and still win. However, if the price gap is big enough the local builder will still lose, because the government isn't stupid and isn't going to just give money away just because a builder say they should get all the projects because they're local.

      Where the hell is this idea that the government doesn't favor local shipbuilders come from anyway? They already won several projects. The ones that they lost are usually due to lack of capability. If you are talking about foreign loans having to be spent at their shipyards instead of Filipino shipyards, well, duh. It isn't uncommon for loans to have strings attached. If you don't like it then tell your politicians that they should increase the AFP modernization budget some more. That way they won't have to take those foreign loans. Call your local solon, whoever he/she is, and tell him how you feel. Take real action. Commenting on blogs doesn't change things.

      Delete
    2. people like you cant help to modernize our AFP because you hava an urong sulong kind of mind. I agree those mentioned above that government can help local shipbuilder in all ways..eka nga lahat ng bagay may paraan basta may suporta.. you better shut your mouth MR.

      Delete
  34. dont expect to much with the Aquino administration instead you have to choose wisely for the next president that has a great concern to our AFP modernization and West Philippine as well. For me its Meriam Santiago and Mayor Duterte.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. i'll go and agree with you.. Im sure Merriam will be a great help to fast track our modernization.. May isang salita ang tao na to

      Delete
    2. How about Miriam Santiago and Mar Roxas.
      Miriam - Matalino (lawyer), Matapang at Mapagkakatiwalaan.
      Mar - Matalino (economist), Makatao at Mapagkakatiwalaan.
      Ituloy ang Daang Matuwid para sa Pilipinas.
      Ituloy ang paglilitis sa mga corrupt senators, congressmen, police chiefs, cabinet secretaries, bureau chiefs, generals, governors at mayors......para makita ng buong mundo na ang paglilitis sa corruption ay para sa lahat hindi lamang sa maliit gaya ng pulis trapiko or empleyado.
      Pilipinas iboto natin yung matino at para sa kinabukasan ng mga anak at apo natin......huwag iboto ang sikat na artista, sportsmen, traditional politicians at nagbibili ng boto ninyo (isang lingo lang ubos na yung binayad sa inyo).....kinabukasan ng anak at apo ninyo....lahi ninyo....., lahi natin....., lahi ng Pilipino!

      Delete
  35. Di ko alam kung anung saysay ng blog nato kung ung modernization ay mauuwi na naman sa wala, i hope china take over the whole west philippine territory for good para matauhan ang ating liderato lalong lalo na ung mga mambabatas ba walang ginawa para ipaglaban ang ating sovereignity. Ibalik na lang natin ang mga marcos sa malacanang, hindi ako nangangampanya gusto ko lang maibalik ang respeto nang mga ibang bansa na maipagtanggol ang ating bansa at respeto narin sa sarili. Our leaders do not realize that they are causing so much pain to us ordinary citizens to see each day pay without seeing any ray of hope. My principle in life is simple, i priorize my resources where it is needed most. Kung kailangan ko kumain nang dalawang beses lang para may pambili ng sapatos gagawin ko. Pero nakakalungkot na mawala satin ang mga teritoryo nang walang kalaban laban. Sad to say that given our situation patuloy pa rin ang nakawan sa kaban ng bayan, mga manhid at walang pagmamahal sa bayan

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ang pinaka magandang panglaban sa China ay tirahin ang economy ng China at hindi ang military nito. Akitin ang mga foreign companies sa China na ilipat ang mga operations nila sa Pilipinas by giving them more incentives and guarantees na mas magiging profitable at attractive sa mga foreign companies like tax-free importations, cheap labor, no union strike, 100% foreign-ownership, lower taxes. etc. Ang konsuelo na lang natin dito ay employment sa mga walang trabaho. Ang objective ay maraming mga intsik ang mawawalan ng trabaho sa China, magkakaruon ng madalas at malawakang rioting sa kawalan ng trabaho, babagsak ang revenues ng China at maaapektuhan ang military budget nito pagbagsak ng economy ng China.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ultimo gobyerno ang pinipili pa den para sa mga proyekto nila eh Chinese companies para makatipid (at maka-pamulsa ng tinipid), kaya sa bandang huli, korapsyon pa din at problema.

      Kahit sakupin pa ng China ang Spratlys, ay magpapapatuloy pa din ang pagamit at pagbili ng Pilipinas ng materyales at serbisyo ng China dahil sa mga taong corrupt na isa-santabi ang pagka-Pinoy kapalit ng pera.

      - Neo

      Delete
  37. Ayaw kung mag litanya pero ito lang masasabi ko

    Alam nyo kapwa mamayang Pilipino ang sisihin sa nagyayari sa militar and ekonomiya natin kasi sila ang bumoto sa mga ganid at corrupt at politiko.

    Estudyante pa lang ako ito na problema.. may anak at asawa na ako ganoon pa rin problema natin.. minsan nakakainis at nakakapikon na, kailan kaya matototo ang ilan sa mga atin?

    Kung ako lang ang masusunod.. yung mga di nagbabayad ng tax walang karapatin bumoto.

    At yung mga di bumoboto walang karapatan mag reklamo

    Ang hirap sa atin kasi kung sino yung walang naitutulong sa bansa sila pa malakas magreklamo at humingi ng tulong sa gobyerno

    Ano sa tingin nyo? tama ba ako?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tama ka sir, pero walang gagawa ng panukalang ganyan sa mga mamba-batas natin, or kung mayroon man ay haharangin lang yan at papa-ikutin para mag mukhang masama yang magagawang batas na yan. Alam naman naten isa sa napakalaking sandata ng isang corrupt na pulitiko ang boto ng mga taong kayang bayaran.

      - Neo

      Delete
  38. Hi Max! Please discuss in ur blog the 14 year master plan of the DND

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That would be difficult. Its because they kept on changing the acquisition plans. And we don't know what will happen after a new president comes in by 2016.

      Delete
  39. Nuana pa ma acquire yung OPV kesa 2 frigate na naka bid pa din. Whats the story behind it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Because the PCG OPVs have been in the pipleline longer than the PN frigates, even longer than the Maestrale-class before.

      Delete
  40. Max, who made the design for the 40m PCG patrol boat . is it sec abaya? Ha!. or the winning bidder will push thru with their own design. Are we expecting a comparible design with that of OCEA or other French builder. Or is it the same Bizan design?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The 40m boats will come from Japan so expect a design almost similar to what the Japan Coast Guard uses.

      Delete
  41. That can only mean na hindi na matutuloy pa ang frigate acquisition kaya natuloy ang OPV.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a wrong presumption. The PCG OPV has been in the pipeline since 2011, years before the PN announced its own frigate acquisition project. While we are waiting for the PN to complete their frigate acquisition bidding, we are also expecting another ship project from them soon.

      Delete
    2. Anong another ship project to Sir Max? :-)

      Delete
    3. OPVs and/or corvettes. But this might be funded either by a special allocation or will be included in the next phase 2017-2022.

      Delete
  42. Nuong unang sakupin ng China ang Mischief Reef galit pa si Pnoy sa China kaya namili kaagad ng mga kagamitan ng AFP. Ngayon nag mellow na siya at mukhang sinusuyo na ang China, nagbgo na isip sa modernization ng AFP kaya malamang na sinabihan na niya ang DND na e-delay na ang frigate acquisition hanggang sa kusang maglaho na lang ito.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can't that its being delayed intentionally, that is also a wrong presumption. It would be best if we just keep quiet first and let the PN make their decision. MaxDefense already have some answers but would rather stop making them public first to avoid giving problems to our naval planners and those involved in the bidding and selection.

      Delete
    2. At least your statement still gives us hope that the frigate bidding is still ongoing. It is just having some delays within the PN. Hopefully this will still be announced before end of 2014.

      Delete
  43. I think some reactions here should mellow down. Buying big ticket military items are technically exhausting especially to a country like the Philippines which neglected it's armed forces for decades.

    Sad to say, it's also a challenging task to defend the Philippine military modernization against high priority agendas like the economy, employment, infrastructure, social service, and for god's sake the politicians!.

    So give the DND, PN, PAF, and other military branches the benefit to plan wisely and not in haste.

    -fmo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PH military budget is ridiculously below average and it's not really DND's fault that we're lagging behind in terms of military power, the DND, PN and PAF can plan better if they have more to spend. As simple as that.

      - Neo

      Delete
  44. Sana sa frigate acquisition, magandang radar system ang mapili. Hindi yung natitira ng EWC gaya ng nangyari sa Donal Cook destroyer na nabuzz ng SU-24.
    -Berto

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "The more a radio-electronic system is complex, the easier it is to disable it through the use of electronic warfare."

      Above comment was from http://www.voltairenet.org/article185860.html

      It is logically possible that the technology exist already. This is a scenario that the DND should take in deep consideration because of the Philippines similarity with US military training and tactics. And since the AFP is modernizing, digital technology will play a big and major role in those fighting equipments. The AFP should have bits and pieces of all technology and even Russians if it can...

      -fmo

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  45. Max great to see the progress of PCG Modernization. Some PN insiders have told me that Frigates acquisition will be concluded and announced soon. Anyway, I would like to thank you for the information you are sharing and this has been very helpful especially for us who are looking forward for the modernization of our AFP. By the way, I was struck with your statement "we are also looking for another ship project from them". Is this another Pohang Class ship for PN?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It may not necessarily Pohangs but could be new corvettes as well.

      Delete
    2. I'm really hoping for increased assets by the PN. It's almost a given that budget would be a problem, so I'm not really hoping for new frigates, I hope in the coming years, they can acquire more ships, like 2 more Pohangs, another WHEC, and maybe some if not all of those Georges Leygues-class frigates.

      - Neo

      Delete
  46. http://www.janes.com/article/46083/china-building-airstrip-capable-island-on-fiery-cross-reef

    According to athe latest Nov. 20, 2014 report from IHS JANE’S 360, China is building an island at least 3,000 m long on Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) that could be the site for its first airstrip in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The facility appears purpose-built to coerce other claimants into relinquishing their claims and possessions, or at least provide China with a much stronger negotiating position if talks over the dispute were ever held. And the Pnoy Administration is keeping quiet about this China’s reclamation so it does not alarm the nation and avoid the embarassment of not allowing the PCG to stop it but only look from a distance and make the report. What a pity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PNOY has made it known to the Chinese and the rest of the world that they want a total cease on structure building at Spratlys -- that's actually all he can do. I don't think our outnumbered, less capable ships can actually hinder the Chinese.

      Just to add.. it's very possible the stance of the Philippines is in accordance with Obama's cowardice and incompetence.

      -Neo

      Delete
  47. http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/search/label/MYANMAR

    Ito dapat ang bihin Pnoy para sa PCG…
    Myanmar Navy UMS-773 Tabinshwehti corvette
    Myanmar Navy launched Stealth Light Frigate Heavily armed Corvette
    The Stealth Corvette is believed to be armed with Chinese and Russian made weapons with Anti Submarine Capability

    ReplyDelete
  48. hi sir max.. does bidding for warships really takes a year or more to finish? just out of curiosity. thanks sir max

    ReplyDelete
  49. hi sir max... it is off the topic... can you make a topic about the assets and weapons that the military should use to defeat the insurgents like abu sayyaf in the battlefield?what weapons should we acquire? i watched videos about the apaches killing taliban in Afghanistan using M230 30-mm automatic cannon with advance cameras, it is so effective and cool so why don't we have this kind of weapons? i'm just suggesting.this is my 1st comment in your great blog.

    ReplyDelete
  50. i dont trust this Awiuno government saying that they have already modernize our AFP? I agree with those FA-50 which was purchase from Korea... what else? where are those 2 new frigate that this administration reported already two years ago which was I remembered? where are those radar and SAM? so disappointing those report to hear

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  51. mahihirapan talaga tyo dun sa pag me maintain ng security natin sa Sierra Madre... Im sure our marines has hard time to maintain their position and our Coast Guard as well.....ang gling ng Chinese talaga sa military tactics and offense. How about our PMA? ano kaya ang ma pinag aaralan nila dun? corruption????? hehehehe

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  52. off topic sir max...do we have our own satellite in space? how could AFP benifited on this?

    ReplyDelete
  53. the comments on this blog should be moderated sir Max.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. too many keyboard commandos who don't even know what they're blubbering about.

      Delete
    2. disagree on both of you. we have a freedom to share our sentiments here and whats wrong when were talk about satellite?use your head Mr.

      Delete
  54. Question: it's expected that the US Coast Guard will probably decommission its Island class patrol cutters as the newer Sentinel class cutters become available. Are the Island class cutters a possible to augment the PCG, or are they unsuited for the PCGs needs? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Sir Max, why is it that our gov will not push on G2G on acquiring AFP assets? Why opt on traditional bidding process? It's given that we have needs but, we obviously too slow in decision making compare to Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia in terms of Military implementation upgrades.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Am I reading it correctly from Anonymous (November 22, 2014 at 3:43 AM) that Myanmar can build their own warship?, even with it's small size, it's still a fighting ship.

    Hello Max, Why can't the Philippines do the same?, what is wrong with the Filipino leaders. I am now thinking I was wrong with my earlier comment of giving the DND and the military branches the benefit of the doubt.

    -fmo

    ReplyDelete
  57. The 2 Vietnamese Gepard class are cool. Is it possible we could acquire it? It is said that it cost Vietnam $350 Million for 2 ships. That's way around our budget.

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  58. Maybe if Pnoy was a dictator like Marcos, he could easily clean-up the corruption in our government and immediately accelerate the modernization of AFP. Under democracy, it will be difficult for a good, honest and upright president to strengthen our military due to opposition from Congress and put to jail our corrupt officials & AFP generals because there is what we call human rights which protects the corrupt, the criminals and the militants. Since our country is in imminent danger of a military threat of an attack from China to our sovereignty over our territorial reefs, better for Pnoy to declare Martial Law before he starts kicking the Chinese government out of Spratly Islands & Scarborough Shoal. He can get Miriam Defensor as his Foreign Affairs Sec.,, P. Lacson as Defense Secretary, Roilo Golez as his AFP Chief of Staff, Duterte as Army Chief, Tulfo brothers as PNP Chiefs, etc. . We need a quick, radical solution to our nation's problems and nothing else.

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  59. hi sir max its an off topic comment that I would like to shared to all those maxdefense readers here regarding the recent visit of The Turkey PM here in Manila which captured my attention of different reaction of our kababayan. To summarize this all, they dont want the Aquino Government to help Turkey. Most of our Kababayan dont know what they are talking about. Please see site below of the different reaction and comment in one of the newspaper here in our country.

    http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/11/17/1392989/aquino-offers-help-turkey-confronting-threat-isis

    Yes I agree in some of them, but I think we Filipinos become so arrogant and selfish enough to disregard to help all other country. Whether those people have a different culture, religion or race it is our commitment to help them not just in the name of peace and order but also in the name of God. Its good to see that all people in the world helping each other. It is just a small help as compared to those help that those people in the Arab country. To all those who do not want to help Turkey I hope this video will let you understand the situation.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imfpv0bHOJ8

    Sana ma ubos na tong mga ISIS na to at walang naidudulot na maganda sa mga kakabayan natin sa Iraq. Kawawa talaga ang mga tao na nahuhuli ng mga to. Tinuturture, Rape at parang hayop na pinapatay na walang awa. Hayaan ba natin na mangyari to? Tao din po sila na may mga pamilya. Nagtatarabaho para sa katahimikan ng kanilang bansa at para makatulog naman ng mahimbing ang kanilang mga anak at pamilya. please see video below.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTW_x5jGkX8
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7oqQY4738w

    I hope those people who understand the needs of other country will enlighten this since Turkey also help during typhoon Haiyan.

    http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-rushes-aid-to-philippines_331191.html

    ayan sana maintindihan ng mga taong di nakaka intindi lalo na yung di sang ayon kay pangulong Aquino na tumulong sa Turkey Government.
    Para sa kaalaman ng lahat meron ng halos 3 million na Syrian at Iraqi refugges ang nasa Turkey ngayon. Wag nyo naman ipagdamot ang kunting tulong.

    Lem


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  60. its a shameful to know that we have no satellite of our own which symbolized as a poor country like PHilippines..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We do have a satellite that was launched in 1997 but it was a private venture financed by PLDT, GMA 7 and other companies. It was eventually sold to Asia Broadcasting Corp. There are wealthy countries that are capable of sending their own satellites but did not because there is no need for them to do so. Just my two cents.

      Delete
    2. PH to launch mini satellite in 2015 according to DOST. We don't know yet what capabilities our scientist can build. Whether it will be only a weather satellite or for monitoring also.

      Delete
  61. So a satellite is a status symbol then. You make me roll my eyes. You don't even specify what kind of satellite and describe how it will be useful to the Philippines.

    You can buy and launch a femto-satellite for under $50000. It won't do much and won't last long, but if all you want is to be able to say that you have a satellite, go do that.

    Please base your argument on how useful something is, not on how shameful it is not to have it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hey Mr. are you ok? having our own satellite can save money rather than outsourcing from other country. That is why it is very useful to us

      Delete
    2. DOST will be launching its Micro Satellite in 2016, our scientist and engineers are going to Japan to start their training and studies.

      DOST Sec. Montejo said that a micro satellite could be used to regularly and efficiently watch over the Philippines’ maritime territorial waters, and relieve the Philippine Coast Guard of the need to have a fleet of vessels to regularly patrol the country’s sea borders.

      http://www.philstar.com/good-news/2014/08/04/1353440/pinoy-scientists-eye-micro-satellite-2016

      Delete
    3. The Philippines will be better off producing and using light aircraft equipped with UAV equipment to 24x7 patrol our EEZ. This can be configured as optionally manned aircraft to serve as standoff launchers for missiles.
      Satellites are another gayagaya to what the West is doing, and not based on our needs and local capabilities. Just a continuation of the wrong MDT/VFA/EDCA mentality in the subjugated AFP.

      Delete
  62. Whoops, I forgot to mention the ABS-3.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. wasnt it the Agila 1 and Agila 2 satellites? I think we had Agila 3 as well, not sure though.

      Delete
  63. the PAF should take the oppurtunity in acquiring a refurbished CH 47 being offered by Boeing thru The US Army. This could b be use on long mission like reprovision of marines guarding on Sierra Madre and other islet in the spratley. also for HADR purposes. acquisition of 3 units is s good start

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  64. Yes I agree with those above... it is a shameful to know that we have no satellite in space and it is very important also for our military.

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  65. any news about the Frigates Sir Max? I'm tired of waiting...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1 year and a month is nothing. I have been waiting for more than 2 decades. I finished studying, served the PN, retired early, migrated, and still nothing.

      Delete
    2. There are many who have even waited longer than I did. Former admirals, some who have not even lived long enough to see new frigates enter the PN service. So relax, this development is already something worth being happy with.

      Delete
    3. I've read a lot of comments saying that the PN Frigate acquisition is too slow and kept on comparing with other countries who have signed off contracts or have launched their new build for their frigates/corvettes. My two cents here, 1) I am sure that it took them years (also) to plan and conclude the procurement of their ships, probably even longer than the PN has planned for the two new frigates 2) we must consider that this is the first time that the PN will have new build frigates and they need ample time to study, plan, process the bidding and conclude the selection 3) leftist or pro-china politicians are really doing their best to block the AFP modernization for their interest. Nevertheless, I am still optimistic that sooner or later, DND/PN will announce the winning vendor for the two new frigates.... Would the announcement be done before the AFP day this December? Or before the PN Anniversary on May 2015? As Max mentioned, relax as this project will surely happen (contract signing) during PNoy's term.

      Delete
    4. When will be the Philippines be a major power in the South East Asia again. I wish the system would change.

      Delete
    5. BURN your 1 year and 1 month!!! HAHAHA!!

      But seriously, with the way the frigate process takes it shows that we're really a newbie in this despite USA on our side since 1900's.

      Delete
    6. I agree with the guy who posted the leftist are blocking the AFP modernization. These groups are a detriment to the Philippines, they have nothing really to contribute.

      Pro-China politicians? Not really, it's Pro-Money. These politicians aren't really on the side of China, they're just in it for the money. Senior officers of the AFP aren't immune to this by the way.

      And this leads us to the procurement process. The system is flawed and yet the AFP is not changing it. The BIG question is WHY?

      Again, two things come into mind. China and corruption.

      Until the AFP weeds out it's corrupt people, we'll never get to see the AFP this country needs.

      - Neo

      Delete
    7. Finally a great news.. hopefully 1st quarter next year the Frigates will be awarded to the winning bidder. Is there a possibility that one of the Frigates will be made here Sir Max?

      Delete
  66. Out of P90.86 billion DND defense budget till 2017 ay P41.38 billion pesos pa lang ang nagastos.May natitira pang P 49.48 billion pesos ($112.45 million) ang DND para makabili at least ng 200 coastal-based Brahmos/Harpoon Anti-Ship missiles at 200 Patriot/Hawk Surface-to-Air missiles and radar sysems which are enough to provide air-sea defensive/offensive systems laban sa labas-pasok ng Chinese naval vessels at strike aircraft sa loob ng 200-mile EEZ natin.

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    Replies
    1. Expect that remaining budget to be used on our tongressman and senatongs campains... Don't expect the DND to buy missiles because these damn fools don't want our country to become strong so America in case of trouble would come when china attacks us.

      Have you ever wonder why the Philippines who are capable of buying Missiles does not have one? Oh yeah we have in the past some AIM 9 sidewinders for our F-5's. Have you ever wonder why we don't have land based Anti-ship missiles and Surface to Air missiles? Does the DND credible defense plan have such?

      Delete
    2. Let's just wait and see in 2017 after the term of Pnoy ends where the remaining DND defense budget will go. I still trust Pres. Aquino will utilize it for AFP modernization but not the DND officials & AFP generals handling it. Pnoy will never let the name and legacy of his parents to be tarnished.

      Delete
    3. Actually it is the other way around. The US wanted the Philippine government to spend according to its defense requirements and avoid too much dependence on the US for its own defense. The reason why the US is not giving too much to the PH is to push the PH govetnment to do spend more. So the ball is actually in the PH government's side.

      Delete
    4. Sorry, maybe I am just frustrated on the delaying tactics that is happening on our DND especially the frigate acquisition program.

      What bothers me is we have no SAM batteries and no way to intercept foreign aircraft.

      Delete
    5. yes I agree with you Anonymous December 1, 2014: I trust President Pnoy but in the DND & AFP official never. They cant be trusted. I remembered that they hired a consultant to do a job with regards to frigates acquisition and spend millions to let those modernization go smooth and fast and see what happen? still drawing

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    6. Ang dahilan ng US ay hindi pa tayo sumasangayon sa talagang gusto nila - gawing staging ground ang ating bayan sa gerra nila sa intsik. Gusto tayong mahina ng kano para dependent tayo sa kanila at sunod sunuran. Same reason why they forced Marcos to abandon our rocket program in the 1970s. We were even ahead of the North Koreans and Iranians then. Kaya gawa na tayo ng sariling depensa at tratohin ang mga kano tulad ng mga Israeli.

      Delete
  67. Correction....I mean $1.112 billion (P49.48 billion) DND budget left till 2017 with still enough funds to buy the 2 modern Frigates aside from the ASM & SAM missile batteries.

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  68. bakit kaya gang ngayon wala pang missile capable na gamit ang AFP natin?ni Barko, orplano o land based missile wala? ano ba talaga ang problema ng gobyerno natin? May problema ba sa senado o sa congreso o sa presidente? nandyan na nag China sa Bakuran natin pero parang wala lng sa gobyerno natin? asan dun ang sense na sinabi ng pangolong Pnoy na fast track modernization? asan?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blame really goes to the people.

      It's bad enough that we have a congress man who does not do his work, plays professional basketball, box and host TV shows..

      But we have a senate composed of people, who are not only SEVERELY UNQUALIFIED, but worse -- has the stomach to rob tax payers money by the billions.

      And if that's not bad enough, a crook is running for president.

      The sad part? He is capable of winning despite his crimes.

      - Neo

      Delete
    2. We have a lot of incompetent fools and leftist in our government.

      Delete
  69. sir max, any update about the pohang corvette? is it really the gyeongju or its just speculation

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  70. interesting story behind Sen. Trillanes' account on his role as mediator between China and Philippines: http://www.manilatimes.net/trillanes-dfa-chief-deliberately-worsened-ph-row-china/145598/

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  71. out of topic but certainly interesting! http://www.manilatimes.net/trillanes-dfa-chief-deliberately-worsened-ph-row-china/145598/

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  72. The Philippine government has been appropriating and mulling billions of pesos to buy frigates and destroyers made in other countries to contain the growing threat of Mainland China in our territories in the South China Sea.
    But look what I got here, in the book “War in the Fourth Dimension: U.S Electronic Warfare, from the Vietnam War to the Present “ that talks about air and naval jamming that could neutralize the enemies’ radar, author Dr. Alfred Price talks about a smaller Soviet –era made the lethal Komar (mosquito) patrol boat supplied by the Ivans to Egypt in their proxy war against U.S backed Israel in the late of 1960s.
    Here are the excerpts:
    “On the afternoon of October 21, 1967 the Egyptian Navy delivered a message that shook navies around the world. That day Soviet-supplied Komar patrol boats, sitting in the harbor at Port Said, launched three SSN-N-2 Styx active homing missiles at the Israeli destroyer Eilat patrolling off the coast. Fired from a range of about 15 miles, all three missiles scored hits on the Eilat and she sank with heavy loss of life. For the first time, guided missiles launched from warships had caused the destruction of one of their kind”.
    It discussed there that since the appearance of the 70-ton Komar missile patrol boat it had been a naval curiosity. It had a maximum speed of around 40 knots in calm seas and the two Styx missiles, credited with a maximum range of 23 miles, sat in canisters mounted on the after deck. A Square Tie surveillance radar provided target acquisition. Once launched on the target’s azimuth, the mssile’s active radar homing system picked up the target and guided the Styx to impact.
    “Yet it could be a nasty opponent. It was a small and hard to find, and as nimble and hard to hit, as the traditional PT boat. It could launch missiles from beyond the range of the guns of a much larger warship. These boats were cheap to build, they employed relatively simple technology and crews did not acquire long training to become effective,” according to Dr. Price
    ***

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Ortizoga. The Philippine Navy does foresee the need for patrol boats and offshore patrol vessels. The Komar would belong in the patrol boat class. However, small vessels like Komar is shortlegged. Due to the limited amount of food and water that it can carry, it has an endurance of 5 days. This is good enough for defending the main islands, but not good enough for securing the EEZ.

      For securing the 200 nm EEZ, you want a bigger ship. This is the Offshore Patrol Vessels that MaxDefense described above. This kind of ships has an endurance of 3-4 weeks and have the size to carry not just armaments but also sensors and EW systems, which is critical in a modern battlefield.

      The government is aware that the PN needs all of those (see the Philippine Navy Desired Force Mix). You can argue that the government should get the OPV before the frigate, but I am guessing that the President wants to get the most expensive and most time consuming item done or at least already under construction while he is still in office so it can't be cancelled by the next government.

      Delete
  73. Maybe - just maybe - a long shot maybe - the DND is waiting for the best deal from Japan. Mr. Abe is pushing for the govt. to establish financing for foreign military sales. The best case dream scenario - MRF - F15's from Mitsubishi, Frigate - Abukuma Class, and let us dream a little - an extra copy of the Soryu class subs that the Japanese will build for the Australians

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  74. Max, any update on the public bidding who will provide remote-weapon systems and missile launchers for the MPAC?

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  75. The bottomline is we carelessly & cowardly allowed China to occupy our Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Island Reefs. That is the gravest and most stupid mistake of the Pnoy Administration. Pnoy should have ordered the PCG and other law-enforcement agencies to confront the Chinese ships and boats and prevent them from occupying our maritime territories whether we internationalize the dispute or hold bilateral talks with China. Our sovereignty is being attacked by China and our government is allowing the Chinese government to bully us. We have an EDCA defense agreement with the US to protect us from Chinese aggression. Peaceful diplomacy will not stop China from occupying our territories. Our government should take law-enforcement actions and not just watching and letting China do whatever it wants at will.

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  76. I agree our PCG should not be contended by just watching and monitoring the activities of the chinese until all our islands and resources are gone. The PCG should confront the chinese and prevent these bastard in occupying our territory like what the Vietnamese did. They have no sophisticated weapon. The PCG should do their mandate of protecting our land until their last breathe. Like the lyrics in our National Anthem ‘ Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo‘ Huwag kayong maging duwag . The Filipinos are known for their BRAVERY Its time to fight and die for our mother country The Katipuneros fought the Spaniard with a bolo against rifle and canon. Now you think

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  77. Good day po sir max.
    Wala po bang plano afp n humingi ng donations para maging modern na ang AFP?
    Style PNoy po sana nung tumakbo siya sa election. Tipong barya barya lang pero effective. Dami ngdonate nun d po va? Bka pwedeng gwin din un ng afp. Pra nrin maipakita sa buong mundo na khit ppno my mga filipino prin n umaasang mgging capable ang afp n protektahan ang mga sibilyan. Mula man ang banta sa china o mula sa mga terorista.
    Tnx po.
    More power po =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walang kita dyan kaya ayaw sa AFP

      Delete
    2. Where is the honor in that? Donate to strengthen our AFP? right now the PI has a robust economy, and we taxpayers are overtaxed by the BIR. We could buy anything if we want to.. Our government especially the congress is infested with Leftist NPA's. So there are a lot of delays.

      Delete
    3. I love nationalist groups like Gabriela, Bayan, and Mabini lawyers Saguisag, Arroyo and others for their love of our country. But what is their stand on China claiming all our EEZ in West Philippine Sea, they are very quiet, didn't even make comments or suggestions, or staging rallies against China -especially when China harassed and blocked supply boat for our marines in Sierra Madre ship.
      Saguisag is in the news again on EDCA's legality. But what is your stand on Spratly, China's bullying policy, your suggestions regarding this issue?

      Delete
  78. I think we should stop with the mentality that the US will support us.


    Shrinking Military budget and conflict of interest will affect if they will come to aid us

    They are a couple of encounters made by China to some U.S warship, did you see any aggressive reaction from them?

    This is a strategy game Chess by China, and Russia too.. they attempt and provoke for any reaction.

    It is up to you if you are going to act diplomatically or aggressively by force.

    Sadly for the Philippines, they have no choice but to do it diplomatically because the goverment does not have the will power and the Armed forces does not have enough force (budget and equipment and equipment) to stand its ground

    IMHO....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Obama is weak. If that would be Clinton or Bush, expect a different reaction.

      Delete
    2. You missed out Reagan. Putin's not going to challenge that dude, nor will China.

      - Neo

      Delete
    3. Same problem with Pinoy, Congress approve the Defense budget. Superpower no.3 China is really showing his power against USA, remember when they harassed US patrol aircraft at international airspace near Hainan, and when China warship go in direct path of US warship in South China Sea . Even the Superpower no.2 Russian was testing USA when Russian bombers flew near the border of USA and Russian fighter plane flew close to US warship in Baltic Sea.
      Dealing with Superpower no.2 Russia in Europe
      Watching Superpower no.3 China in Asia
      involved in Syria
      involved in Iraq
      still in Afghanistan
      Do you think US Congress shall prioritize or care about Spratly?

      Delete
    4. Oh, yeah, I forgot, that guy is also awesome. Wish we could have leaders like that.

      Delete
  79. you dont have to rely to much on modern equipment. maximize on your available asset. Kahit maubos lahat ang barko ng PCG to show the Chinese that Filipinos are not DUWAG. Pnoy must realize that thats why the chinese are continuing to harass us. Kung ang pcg ay lumalaban, then the Chinese will think twice. Filipinos are experience fighters. because we have been fighting in numerous war for so many decades

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. fighting where? the jungles of Mindanao and Luzon, what use is that experience in fighting in the open sea? wars are not won with chest thumbping"nationalistic" dribble but with facing facts and addressing problems.

      Delete
    2. First you have to be of winning fighting mind. Then the rest follows. You have already been defeated without any shots fired.

      Delete
    3. I don't think china will invade Luzon or Visayas or Mindanao right now. They do not want a war with anybody except Taiwan., so that when they invade Taiwan, there will be no USA help or USA help will be delayed. Since the Philippines is an archipelago, we need a strong Navy and Airforce. Right now our strongest is the Army,. Better equipped than the Navy and Airforce.

      Delete
    4. The AFP's modernization is partly to upgrade and partly to address the concern that is China. The government's only concern right now is to protect our remaining territories in the KIG, it's not really by choice, but due to budget constraints, that's their only mission for now.

      But it's a bit obvious to me, they can see danger looming over the horizon. Thus, the new frigates, thus the FA-50's, thus the planned MRFs, thus, the desired force mix.

      If it were up to the DND (large money for corruption purposes aside), they're going to arm this country to the teeth. But they're not the ones doing the funding. Our lawmakers are putting aside everything that wouldn't fill their own pockets, even at expense of national security. And the people are either powerless, or they don't seem to care.

      China doesn't want to go to war right now, but it's military has grown to a point where it's not going to back down from its ill actions despite US and UN objections. China will take what it wants to take one way or another.

      China is real threat. Make no mistake about it. Common sense tells me, YOU DON'T BUILD A MILITARY FORCE LIKE THAT IF YOU DON'T INTEND TO USE IT.

      War is coming, IMHO, the DND knows that. They're just hoping it doesn't come in the next 10-15 years.

      - Neo

      Delete
    5. winning fighting mind,then the rest follows....that is good for the sports of boxing where you are fighting fair and square, in weight limit division and both fighter has pair of gloves, with a referee and judges.
      but not in the Open Sea Warfare with China, as they have a very formidable blue-water navy, and stealth planes J20 & J31, UAV, satellites, submarines, jammers, missiles, all of these we don't have.

      Delete
    6. Invade the philippines? They are here already with their own hit teams and disguised as business men and drug lords. Similar to the ploy used by the japanese during world war 2. When the war broke out this business men turned out to be colonels, generals down to captain. In an article i recently red they were saying that while the PLA is not capable, skills wise they are good at subversion.

      Delete
  80. for the new frigate, the DND will announce the winning bidder by early 2015. Not known if first or second quarter it is already anticipated that final selection is on march and contract signing is by April. By the time na nagawa ito there will be new leadership lahat sila pinalitan na I hope the selection is finish this december. hari nawa. arcee

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  81. Let's wait the decision of UNCLOS on Spratly Islands and Scarborough Reef, and continue AFP modernization program.
    After UN decision, we should have a meeting with China to resolve this.....(why?)....because even USA can't help us on this issue.
    Even we spend billions of pesos acquiring new ships, aircrafts still we have no match against China and USA is not guaranteed will help us in Spratly war (per Gazmin of AFP).
    . China is putting military naval/ air bases in Spratly island and USA want to stations their ships and aircrafts and marines in Palawan for what?, secure Palawan! (but not Spratly). I think China is only interested in Spratly and Scarborough islands and not Palawan or Luzon islands.
    If USA really wants AFP to be strong, they should help us acquire new ships, aircrafts, missiles and submarines (like Russia helping Vietnam & NoKor).....but instead they gave us old WHEC without armament and radar system (and rehab cost to us), old C130T (rehab cost to us).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why do you have to match China? We need to just defend our EEZ as robustly as the Vietnamese and we have the advantage of proximity. Bawal ang mga Utak Talo. We can defend our EEZ effectively from Chinese sea grabbing. First we free ourselves from the US and align with others.

      Delete
    2. Please explain how can we defend our EEZ against China, as China claimed our EEZ in West Philippine Sea is part of their territory.
      Vietnam has more new warships and submarines, updated aircrafts and missiles system than us and yet can't stop China from drilling activity in their own EEZ.
      You suggest to abandon USA and align with others, please specify who are those others?
      I'm not suggesting to abandon our claim on Spratly and Scarborough and EEZ. We have to be practical, and real. Let wait for UNCLOS and sit-down later with China. We are facing Superpower no.3 and our friend Superpower no.1 is not giving us guarantee to help us in case of war in Spratly.

      Delete
  82. Sir max,! Is the Pohang Class Frigate frm SoKor ariving this dec.?thank u

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    Replies
    1. From reliable sources that is pushing through early next year. Some equipment are being upgraded but wd are not sure what they are.

      Delete
  83. parang drawing na lang ang mangyari sa pohang na yan..dont expect too much

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  84. ano po tong ginawa sa mga helicopter na to?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CX-dHczXX4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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  85. for those who love to rant about the frigates
    http://www.rappler.com/nation/76808-frigates-second-stage-bidding?utm_content=bufferaa30e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

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  86. Decision1:
    If the Philippine Supreme Court declared EDCA was legal and necessary or sent it back to Senate and Senate revised and approved it. US warships, aircraft and marines maybe station in Palawan, Subic, Fort Magsaysay and Aparri, but still no guarantee of USA will go with us in Spratly war. Our AFP-modernization program and preparedness will continue.

    Decision2:
    If the Philippine Supreme Court declared EDCA was unconstitutional or sent it back to Senate and Senate rejected it. Is USA giving more priority to support and arms AFP to counter China in West Philippine Sea or South China Sea? Is Japan and Sokor will offer more military support and equipment to secure and protect the international sea lanes which very vital to their economy. And China will not invade Palawan or Luzon because we have MDT with USA (MDT does not include Spratly & Scarborough). Our AFP-modernization program and preparedness will continue.

    So which Decision is better?

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  87. Hello Max. Since that PCG and PN is going to have a these new acquisitions, can't they plan to the same workable platform for the OPV for PCG and Frigate for PN. Moving forward with this will give both long-term efficiencies and personnel can cross-operate them. Also in terms of maintenance, it will be beneficial for both. The PCG can have this without the Oto-Melera canon instead have some water jets instead. Just an example is the Hamilton cutters which USCG and were using it for PN operations. Might as well you can give the pro's and cons if they took this path.

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  88. Any idea what helicopter models they are looking at besides the EC 145 and Bell 412?

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  89. Meron naman palang mga barko ang Philippine Coast Guard. Ano ba ang silbe nyan? Hindi naman kayo nagpapatrolya sa disputed areas. Puro Philippine Navy ang gumagawa ng trabaho na dapat sana ang Coast Guard ang gumagawa. Huwag nalang kayong bumili ng additional ships from Japan and France. Hindi nyo naman yan gagamitin. Ibigay nyo nalang ang pondo nyo sa Philippine Navy para makatulong kayo sa pagpalakas ng maritime security natin. Wala akong nabalitaan na may Philippine Coast Guard na regular na nagpapatrolya sa mga disputed areas natin. Chinese Coast Guard lang ang regular na nagpapatrolya dun. Walang Philippine Coast Guard Ship akong nakikita. Trabaho sana nila ang magpatrolya doon. Dapat kasi white to white ang approach natin para maiwasan natin ang miscalculation that may lead to war. Baka magkaroon lang ng miscalculation that may lead to serious problems kapag Navy natin ang ihaharap natin against the Chinese Coast Guard.

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    Replies
    1. I AGREE WITH YOUR IDEA.I see your point and it makes perfect sense. Tama Ka...

      Delete
  90. i think, you are not aware that the PCG always protect our right in our own territory, anyway, PCG is always silent for our accomplishment, we don't want to flaunt our achievements because it is just normal for us to do our works even with out recognition from the community. But, I say this to you sir : Even we are outnumbered and out-equipped we are never outdone . We re comfortable into the way that only our own knows what we are and what we do and we have done...

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  91. problema pati pag procure ng PCG ng helicopter pinakialaman pa ng malakanyang,nas budget na nga ng coast guard kailangan pa ng approval ng malakanyang, ano bang meron?

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  92. Is it Possible for the (PCG)Philippine Coast Guard to have it's own C-130 Fleet? or if not the Hercules maybe C-27J Spartans?

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  93. I hope President Duterte will push for an immediate delivery of at least 4 to 5 92 meter Coast Guard ships from Japan. Also, we need to produce locally made warships at least 5 each (both frigates and destroyers) for Philippine Navy with Augusta Westland anti missile and anti submarine armaments.

    Hopefully, in the very near future , we can also produce a brand new P-orion for protection of our islands and EEZ. It is also best to deal with Israel to locally produce several Iron Dome for protection of cities and strategic military bases in the Philippines.

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Philippine Navy Modernization Projects

Philippine Air Force Modernization Projects