PH only has 3 C-130 planes; NDRRMC has no satellite phones

MANILA - The Department of National Defense (DND) is set to buy additional C-130 planes and 17 satellite phones next year.

During budget deliberations in the Senate for the proposed 2014 budget of the DND, Senator Loren Legarda said the equipment will enhance the capability of the DND to conduct rescue and relief operations during times of disaster.

At present, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has 3 C-130 planes.

In an ambush interview, DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that the 2 C-130 planes which will bought next year will cost P1.6 billion.

He also said that the planes are not brand new but refurbished. He also said that additional satellite phones are needed.

The Philippine Navy currently has 40 satellite phones but the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has none.

He said the NDRRMC borrowed satellite phones from the United Nations one day after super typhoon "Yolanda" hit the country.

The Senate approved on second reading the budget of DND and all its attached agencies.