Philippines To Go 'Hand-To-Hand' If Forced To War

Philippines To Go 'Hand-To-Hand' If Forced To War
March 17, 208
Preciosa Dumlao - AHN News Writer

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - The Philippines will defend its territory and its military is "ready to go to war" anytime even to do "hand-to-hand" combat because of its limited firepower.

Speaking to reporters in the Philippine summer capital of Baguio City, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Hermogenes Esperon Jr., said the country's military is ready to defend Manila's claim on the disputed Spratly Islands despite its limited military hardware.

The Spratly Islands, comprised of 100 islets, shoals and islands, is believed to be rich in oil and natural gas and is claimed by six nations, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Brunei and Vietnam.

Esperon said the country's security forces will defend its territory when all diplomatic efforts fail to resolve any conflict with a foreign nation.

"While your soldiers are ready to go to war anytime, as in other wars, there are of course efforts to settle the differences through diplomatic channels. We can go to war, we can still go to war. But the next question is, can we win? That's the question, do we have the capabilities?" he said.

However, he acknowledged defending the country's territory would be very difficult and will require fighter jets which, the Philippine Air Force do not have. Its last F5 fighter planes was decommissioned several years ago.

"We may not have the chance, but that does not mean that soldiers are not willing to fight for the country," he said

Oh!.. TALAGA...There is an island in the Philippines thats occupied by Vietnamese forces, around 50 Vietnamese combatants took control whilst the Philippines army was celebrating a birthday party... no what.. they are still there, controlling part of Philippines territory.. can you tell me why??..the Philippines cant defend itself as there is no air cover, perhaps Philippines Airlines would like to lend the armed forces an airplane?.. when was the last fighter plane de-commisioned?,was it not in 2005... tarsier