The new Philippine Army chief reiterates plan to acquire modern weapons, including missile systems that will boost the country's coastal defenses.

"For now we have already submitted our plan to the Department of National Defense (DND). Hopefully those plans will be approved by them and will soon be implemented," Lt. Gen. Donald Gumuiran

told reporters in a press briefing in Taguig City on Tuesday

"We do submit it on a yearly basis or five year term basis so that's how we submit our plan in the Philippine Army," he added.

Gumuiran also mentioned that the Army is also studying the possible acquisition of armor and artillery assets to support the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) of the government.

"Our study on the force mix of our units in the different grounds is ongoing. So, again, we are still currently studying where our armor assets and artillery assets are really needed most," he said.

"So, again, we are still only at the study stage. And if the study would result in determining that our armor assets are really needed there, of course, we will do that," he added. Robina Asido/PHS