Padilla pushes acquisition of amphibious aircraft for WPS resupply missions

RUSTY OUTPOST Members of a resupply mission prepare to embark the grounded naval ship BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, one of the nine outposts guarding the West Philippine Sea, to replenish supplies for its troops. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — In light of the continuing tension in the West Philippine Sea and amid emerging security threats, Senator Robin Padilla pushed for the acquisition of Multi-Purpose Amphibian Aircraft (MPAA) for the Philippine Navy.

In his privilege speech, Padilla said MPAA will help in the faster execution of supply missions that will “no longer require an escort” and “will not be delayed.”

“Halimbawa po – imbes na isa’t kalahating araw ang aabutin ng isang resupply mission patungong BRP Sierra Madre, kakayanin pong makumpleto ang paghahatid ng suplay sa loob ng lima hanggang walong oras sa pamamagitan ng amphibian aircraft,” said Padilla on Tuesday evening.

(For example – instead of a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre that takes one and a half day, the delivery of supplies can be completed in five to eight hours by amphibious aircraft.)

“This aircraft will be of great help in patrolling not only the West Philippine Sea, but also the various islands of our country. This will also be efficient in supporting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response, Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, Search and Rescue in the ocean, Maritime Air Surveillance, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance,  and other similar missions,” he added in Filipino.

With these, Padilla requested that the purchase of MPAA for the Philippine Navy be prioritized.

China conducted back-to-back aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea over the weekend.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself said China’s actions have steeled the Philippines’ determination to defend and protect its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.

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