By SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
MANILA – The Philippine Navy’s strategic direction has shifted to a “territorial defense role” amid the “real and present” threat to the country’s sovereignty, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Navy commits and remains steadfast to surmount the odds and meet the expectations of our people. We will perform while we continue to transform,” declared Navy flag officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.
During the Philippine Navy’s 16th anniversary rites, Millan said “the menace of various threats to national security and territorial integrity are real and present” but without directly mentioning the country’s territorial conflict with China in the West Philippine Sea.
He said the Navy will continue to ensure the readiness of sailors and Marines to meet operational requirements, citing the sustained training to enhance their skills.
“We will train them in accordance with field-tested doctrines, techniques, tactics and procedures. We will incorporate in our trainings the best practices and lessons learned by our troops and their foreign counterparts,” the Philippine Navy chief added.
Millan said the Navy’s station in Palawan, located near the West Philippine Sea, is at the “forefront” in the country’s maritime security operations in support of western command.
The headquarters of the Naval Forces West Command Center underwent a number upgrades in recent months that included secure communications equipment and a satellite-based vessel tracking system.
President Benigno Aquino III, who graced the Navy rites, also toured the naval station.
The Navy anniversary rites were held for the first time at the naval post in Palawan. Previous ceremonies were held either in Manila or Cavite.
The choice of venue was meant to showcase the Navy’s plans to develop and improve its forward operating base in Palawan facing the disputed West Philippine Sea./PN
