Marcos: PH won’t allow disrespect to sovereignty

“MARITIME STRENGTH” President Marcos, accompanied by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Philippine Navy officials, inspects a torpedo shown on display at the Subic Naval Operating Base, where the President led the Navy’s commemoration of its 127th anniversary. —Photos by Marianne Bermudez

MANILA, Philippines — Amid China’s repeated aggressive incursions into the West Philippine Sea, President Marcos on Tuesday stood firm on the Philippines’ claim to the disputed waters and said the country would never permit any acts of disrespect against its sovereignty.

The President gave the assurance amid the Philippine Coast Guard’s report that three Chinese vessels were monitored loitering in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the last three weeks.

In a speech during the Philippine Navy’s 127th anniversary held in Subic, Zambales, Marcos paid tribute to the men and women of the Navy for their commitment to duty, valor, competence and excellence and called them “peacekeepers both in land and in sea.”

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“In every mission, the Philippine Navy proves that maritime strength is measured by the character, clarity of mission, and the commitment of those who serve. That same commitment to duty was clearly seen in the West Philippine Sea and in other maritime outposts,” he said.

“We will continue to safeguard our maritime zones and exercise our maritime entitlements, in accordance with international law. We will not give up or abandon anything,” he added.

“We reaffirm our commitment to being a responsible member of the international community, engaging in all matters diplomatically and upholding the established principles under international law. This obligation is reflected in our proactive and sustained engagement in international defense and security efforts,” Marcos said.

New ships

During the Philippine Navy’s anniversary celebration, Marcos witnessed the commissioning of two newly acquired ships—the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06), a guided missile frigate; and the BRP Albert Majini (PG-909), a patrol gunboat—at the Naval Operating Base in Barangay Cawag, Subic.

He said the government would invest in “responsive and up-to-date assets and systems” under Horizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program to ensure that the Philippine Navy “remains a formidable force in the region.”

“EMPOWERING THE NAVY” President Marcos inspects the new BRP Miguel Malvar, as the guided-missile frigate and a newly acquired patrol gunboat, the BRP Albert Majini, were commissioned on Tuesday.

“More than just acquiring new equipment, this modernization is also about empowering the Philippine Navy with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools and sustainment that would safeguard our nation’s interest,” Marcos said.

He said this includes the groundbreaking for Naval Station Nabasan, and similar naval stations for Chiquita and Grande Islands.

“We are also establishing the Naval Support Base in Misamis Oriental [province] so that Sangley Point [in Cavite] can be devoted to other uses. These efforts form part of our strategy to bolster our national defense,” the President said.

This year marked the first time the Philippine Navy celebrated its anniversary at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, located within the former shipyard of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines. The base, constructed in March 2022, provides critical base and combat support for naval operations.

Strategically positioned just 277 kilometers (150 nautical miles) from Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, the former US naval facility plays a pivotal role in the country’s efforts to secure maritime features in the West Philippine Sea. —with reports from Joanna Rose Aglibot and Nestoe Corrales

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