'PH needs sound defense strategy'

FORMER Defense secretary Norberto Gonzales said on Wednesday that he will push a mandatory military service for all 18 years old and above.

Gonzales, also former National Security adviser, met with local reporters in Balanga City, his hometown, and said the Philippines has to review its defense strategy in the face of external threats.

He said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense are already doing something on cybersecurity and he is willing to help.

"What I am focusing now is our defense strategy, especially here in Bataan," said Gonzales.

He said that Bataan is likely to get involved in the event of a Chinese attack.

"China is important and this will be my main intervention for the government — to draft a law — if I win," said Gonzales.

"As I have been saying that I was former defense secretary, I think our defense strategy must be reviewed," stressed Gonzales.

"Do we always hope that the Americans will defend us? Now, the Japanese, Australians, and New Zealand are here and they all want to help us should China attack us and Taiwan," said Gonzales.

According to Gonzales, even NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) countries such as France, Germany have been frequenting our country, why?" asked Gonzales.

He explained that the situation in the Philippines is now very relevant.

"As the conflict in Europe is centered on Ukraine, the Philippines stands to be at the center too should conflict escalate in the Asia-Pacific region. That's why the Philippines strategy is important," added Gonzales.

He decried the country's seeming lack of defense strategy.

"Our defense strategy is not clear. We don't have our own strategy," he said.

Gonzales stressed that there is a need for the country to train all its youth.

"We have more than 20 million young people at the right age to train and be included in the reserve list. I don't want war, but we just need to be ready," said Gonzales.