By Alec Go
The Philippines will still include submarines as part of its defense capabilities, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Friday as he graced the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Manila.
In a media interview, Marcos said there are “many offers” from different countries for the Philippines to get and build submarines.
“It’s still being developed, dahil ang commitment para mag-operate ng submarine is not a small commitment. It is a very large commitment because the training that is involved, the equipment that is involved, and the operational requirements that are involved are quite significant,” he said.
Marcos also noted that the country is currently developing its anti-submarine capabilities.
“So ‘yun ang uunahin natin and hopefully when the time comes and the conditions are agreeable, then we might be able to acquire those submarines,” he said.
The chief executive welcomed offers to build submarines in the Philippines that will be made available for other countries.
“That’s another source of jobs, of income, and increased capability for our Navy,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marcos thanked the Philippine Navy for defending the country and for securing peace as he vowed to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
He also recognized the Navy’s naval and amphibious warfare skills and humanitarian acts.
“With the commissioning of the two vessels today, we look forward to the completion of the AFP Modernization Program, more especially Horizon 3, which is significantly devoted to the naval aspect of our military operations,” he said.
“This endeavor will pave the way for the holistic transformation of our AFP into a stronger, modern and formidable organization. By then, the AFP will be more effective in its military aims and more responsive to our national goals,” he added. – gb
