By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
The government will continue defending and protecting the Philippine waters, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday, as he vowed not to tolerate “any act of disrespect” to the country’s sovereignty.
During the 127th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy (PN) at the Naval Operating Base – Subic in Zambales, the President reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to being a “responsible member” of the international community that engages in all matters diplomatically and to uphold the established principles under international law.
“We stand firm. We will never tolerate any act of disrespect against our sovereignty. We will continue to safeguard our maritime zones and exercise our maritime entitlements, in accordance with international law,” Marcos said.
“Wala tayong isusuko, wala tayong papabayaan,” he added.
The Chief Executive also hailed the Navy personnel for serving as the “peacekeepers both in land and in sea,” remaining as strong amid tensions in the region and steadfast in upholding the nation’s maritime entitlements with dignity and courage.
He assured the Navy of his administration’s strong resolve to attain its goal of attaining its agenda of a “future-ready and modernized Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).”
The President recognized the Navy’s efforts to foster and maintain peace saying, “This obligation is reflected in our proactive and sustained engagement in international defense and security efforts, all of these are aligned with our broader efforts to foster cooperation and to maintain peace, both within our borders and across the region.”
New naval assets
During the PN’s anniversary rites, President Marcos also led the christening and commissioning of two newly-acquired naval assets, the BRP Miguel Malvar and the BRP Albert Majini, to make the Navy personnel “ready to conduct more complex and effective operations in promoting the country’s national interest.”
The President said the modernization efforts would equip the PN with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools needed to protect the Philippine territory.
He stressed that the government, through the AFP Modernization Program’s Horizon 3, is investing in “responsive and up-to-date” assets and systems to keep the PN a “formidable force in the region. This includes the expansion of our footprint in critical areas, beginning with the groundbreaking at Naval Station Nabasan, and continuing with Chiquita and Grande Islands. We are also establishing the Naval Support Base in Misamis Oriental so that Sangley Point can be devoted to other uses.”
“These efforts form part of our strategy to bolster our national defense,” he added.
Marcos also had a tour of the guided-missile frigate FFG06 and was briefed on its capability demonstration during the event.
This year’s theme, “Philippine Navy: Addressing Challenges, Promoting Regional Stability, and Strengthening Maritime Security,” highlighted Navy’s resilience in confronting evolving security threats, active role in regional maritime cooperation and continuous modernization to protect the country’s maritime domains.
