Marcos orders stronger Navy, deeper alliances amid West Philippine Sea challenges

MANILA, Philippines —  Even as the Philippines faces security issues demanding intensified vigilance, the Filipino spirit will never fail, President Marcos said yesterday as he called for boosting the capabilities of the country’s naval forces to enable them to fulfill their mandate in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos raised the call as he led the 128th anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Manila, where he highlighted the crucial role the service plays in protecting the country’s sovereignty and in responding to emergency situations.

One of the highlights of the event was the commissioning of the BRP Rajah Lakandula, acquired from South Korean
 shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and named after a leader of pre-colonial Manila.

In a speech delivered after the commissioning ceremony, Marcos said the acquisition of the vessel is “a pivotal step towards realizing the Navy’s vision of a modern and self-reliant force.”

He added that the ship enhances the country’s capacity to safeguard its resources and assert its sovereignty.

“To the crew of this ship, may you sail her with pride and let the world know that the Filipino spirit will never be intimidated,” the President said.

Marcos, also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said the Navy continues to watch over the country’s waters, defend its sovereignty and protect its people in the face of “evolving security challenges that require even greater vigilance.”

Rapid economic and political developments in the 21st century, the President added, have reshaped global growth and placed the Indo-Pacific region at the geopolitical and economic center of gravity.

“In this environment, a credible Philippine Navy is indispensable to regional peace. Thus, I have directed the Philippine Navy to further strengthen its capabilities,” Marcos added.

Marcos also tasked the defense department and the armed forces to “further expand and deepen partnerships, exchanges and interactions with allies and friendly forces.”

He lauded the Navy for its service to the nation, including its emergency response and humanitarian assistance efforts in areas affected by the earthquake in Mindanao.

He assured the naval forces of the government’s continuous support for programs aimed at promoting their welfare.

As Chinese provocations continue, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has confirmed the existence of a floating structure inside Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.

As earlier revealed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the structure appears to have an antenna and a crew of six people. Yesterday, Brawner said Philippine naval vessels would be sent to the area.

“Aerial monitoring by several agencies has confirmed the presence of a 6x6-meter floating structure with what appears to be an antenna,” the NTF-WPS said. - Michael Punongbayan, Pia Lee-Brago