RP military may lose in conflict

RP military may lose in conflict

MANILA (AFP): Philippine military chief, Gen. Arturo Enrile admitted yesterday that the country's poorly-equipped military would likely lose in any armed conflict over the disputed Spratly islands chain.

He cited this as another reason for a military modernization program which he estimated would cost 50-to-70 billion pesos (US$1.85-$2.6 billion) over five years.

"When you talk of having a direct confrontation with armed forces that have better equipment than us, the probability is we might not (get) the upper hand," he said.

The Spratlys, an island chain in the South China Sea, is wholly or partially claimed by Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam as well as the Philippines. All but Brunei have troops posted on some part of the islands but Enrile said the Philippine presence was a mere "token" force.