Philippines to seek military assistance from US

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III said on Saturday that he will visit the United States early next year and will seek military assistance from President Barack Obama.

In a speech during the Philippine Air Force (PAF) invitational shoot fest and firing range blessing at the PAF headquarters in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City, he said his administration is working continuously to arm and provide the members of the Armed forces and the police the equipment they need.

"I will meet President Obama next year, perhaps by April. I will remind him of our strategic partnership and he might remember that we don't have a fighter (jet)," he said..

The president said he would request for fighter planes from the U.S. after his visit to Indonesia recently, saying the Obama administration has provided the Indonesian air force F-16 jets, an older generation of American jet fighters.

He also said that the U.S. is giving the Philippines another Hamilton class cutter after receiving one this year. The Philippine Navy is set to commission the U.S.-made battleship following some refurbishments.(H-AK)

Source: ANTARA