Zubiri: Modernization of AFP assets, training for military pilots needed following Sulu crash

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday renewed his call for the modernization of the Armed Forces' air assets following the deadly C-130 crash in Sulu that claimed the lives of 52 individuals over the weekend.

"I am unfortunately starting to sound like a broken record in my call for modern aircraft and training equipment for our troops. I am so saddened by the loss of such brave and patriotic individuals in such a senseless death," Zubiri said in a press statement.

“That’s what angers me the most. We’re losing so many great men and women because of poor equipment and outdated aircraft," he added.

According to the senator, there is a need to fast-track the aircraft modernization of the Philippine military so that "we can stop ruining lives like this, and ensure that no other accident surpasses this one in the future."

Zubiri appealed to the Department of Budget and Management to find the necessary budget for the Philippine Air Force to replace its aging fleet, particularly their workhorses, which are their overused and extremely old C-130s.

Aside from that, adequate training should also be provided to AFP personnel, especially the pilots, the senator said.

"Apart from upgrading our aircraft and other equipment, we absolutely must also beef up our training programs for our military pilots. For fixed-wing and rotor-wing aircraft," Zubiri said.

"Modernization entails not only buying the best aircraft and equipment, but also providing state-of-the-art and extensive training for our military personnel. We have to invest in simulators, so we can consistently train our soldiers without risking their lives, or the lives of civilians," he added.

Zubiri ensured that the Senate is ready to listen and help the Armed Forces as regards their budget.

Meanwhile, Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon, vice chairman of the House committee on national defense and security, said the panel would wait for the results of the military probe into the accident "so that we will know what measures will be needed to address the findings."

House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, for his part, agreed that more budget is really needed for the AFP modernization, both air and sea assets, to counter the Chinese incursions and the local insurgency.

The black box or flight data recorder of the ill-fated C-130 aircraft has been recovered, reports said.

The death toll climbed to 52, including 49 soldiers and three civilians. At least 47 servicemen and four civilians, meanwhile, were injured.

Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana already ordered a full investigation into the incident.—Anna Felicia Bajo/AOL, GMA News