MANILA – The Philippines will strongly assert its sovereignty over the contested West Philippine Sea, newly-designated Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said.
In an interview with the media after the Navy’s change of command ceremony on late Monday, Bacordo said that President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered him to “take good care of this country.”
The Ilonggo Navy chief added that President Duterte’s order includes protecting the Philippines’ territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“We will continue to establish the Navy presence in the West Philippine Sea and maintain the occupied features of the West Philippine Sea,” Bacordo said.
“That we will continue to replenish and rotate our personnel in the West Philippine Sea and at all time, we will show the flag in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
Aside from protecting the nation’s interest in the contested sea, Bacordo also promised to continue the modernization efforts of the Philippine Navy.
“We shall be a modern, multi-capable naval force responsive to our maritime nation’s defense and development,” Bacordo said.
Bacordo is the 38th Flag Officer in Command of the Navy. He belongs to the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987./PN
