Marcos calls on military to max security efforts

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has exhorted the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to conduct strategic review and to maximize forces deployment to ensure that strategies remain attuned to the current and future geopolitical challenges, especially with the continued harassment of China Coast Guard and Chinese militia in the West Philippine Sea.

“As we move now from focusing on ensuring internal security for the country, we now have to bolster the country’s external defenses. And I exhort the DND and the AFP to maximize and strategically review the deployment of our forces to ensure that their strategies remain responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities,” Marcos said during the 67th Founding Anniversary of the Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM) in Sangley Point, Cavite.

“Let us also continue harnessing the skills of our specialized units in preparing for all contingencies. The NAVSOCOM, with its expertise in Sea, Air, and Land, or SEAL, operations, must be utilized to support naval defense and enhance maritime security.”

Marcos also encouraged the Navy to strengthen the unit’s capabilities by partnering with forces from like-minded states towards upholding shared commitment to freedom of navigation, peace and stability, and the rule of law.

The AFP’s commander-in-chief also made an assurance that the administration remains committed to strengthen the NAVSOCOM’s capabilities through the acquisitions under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

The administration will likewise support the unit in implementing programs that enhance knowledge and skills of personnel as well as ensure the welfare and the well-being of their families.

Marcos also praised NAVSOCOM for its performance, particularly through the conduct of extensive counter-terrorism training and operations against terrorist groups and other lawless elements, including rescue missions, which, he said, have greatly supported the AFP’s internal security efforts, especially in southern Philippines.

NAVSOCOM, an elite unit of the Philippine Navy, has likewise contributed to government efforts to curb smuggling and other illegal activities at sea as authorities watch over the country’s vast littoral area.

“More impressive still, through it all, you have embodied grit, fortitude, and courage in ensuring peace, order, and progress in the country. For your commitment to serve and to safeguard the Filipino people, I express my deep and heartfelt gratitude,” he said.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also condemned the latest aggression of China Coast Guard following an unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, that has put the lives of Filipino personnel at risk.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the systematic and consistent manner in which the China Coast Guard vessels do not align with the universally accepted behavior of a coast guard. “Ironically, they are supposed to ensure safety of life at sea, but they are the ones that deliberately violate the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972 that the People’s Republic of China is also a signatory state,” he said.

“The dangerous maneuvering of the China Coast Guard vessels are illegal and irresponsible actions that puts into question and significantly doubt their narrative of law enforcement and their real identity as a coast guard organization,” he added.

Gavan said the PCG acted responsibly, consistent with a rules based international law that aligns with the regional norm among the coast guard organizations in the region.

“Our PCG skippers made sure that despite the reckless deployment of the CCG, we were still able to prevent a collision from happening.  And despite their provocative actions of deliberately preventing our vessels from completing the mission, the PCG has maintained their professional behavior and ensured that our firm resolve will not be triggered to escalate the tension,” he said. (Mindanao Examiner)