THE Philippine Navy (PN) has backed Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s proposal to develop an “expeditionary” naval capability that can operate beyond Philippine waters, saying the move is consistent with its defensive mandate.
Navy spokesman Capt. Marissa Martinez said the capability would remain guided by the 1987 Constitution, Philippine and international laws and national defense policies.
“The development of expeditionary capability does not alter the defensive mandate of the PN. All operations remain guided by the 1987 Constitution, Philippine laws, international law and established national defense policies,” Martinez said.
Teodoro earlier said the Philippines needed an expeditionary navy to protect Filipino merchant vessels and seafarers on the high seas as the country expands its merchant shipping fleet.
Martinez said the proposal was consistent with the Navy’s modernization and capability development programs, particularly efforts to improve fleet capabilities, maritime domain awareness, operational reach, sustainment and interoperability with partner navies.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines also backed the proposal.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said developing a blue-water, expeditionary capability was consistent with the Philippines’ status as an archipelagic nation and its reliance on maritime routes.
“The shift toward a blue-water, expeditionary capability is a natural and necessary evolution of our national defense posture,” Trinidad said.
He said the initiative was aligned with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, which calls for capabilities to protect Philippine territory, defend sovereignty, secure sovereign rights and safeguard sea lanes of communication.
Trinidad said the capability would allow the Navy to maintain a persistent presence at sea, conduct long-range patrols and respond to the needs of Filipinos abroad.
