Manila, March 17 -- The Philippines needs to beef up its air defenses, especially in weapon systems that are capable of intercepting missiles fired by hostile nations.

"Kailangan dagdagan natin yung ating (We need to increase the number of our) anti-missile systems. It's a question of national resilience and national defense. Kaya siniseryoso dapat natin (We should be taking such matters seriously)," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in an interview with select reporters.

Currently, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) operates three batteries of Spyder air defense missile systems capable of low-level, quick reaction interception, and classified as "medium-range air defense missile."

He also ...