Ex-AFP chief: Heightened naval defense to protect PH maritime zones

From the Philippine News Agency (May 8, 2024): Ex-AFP chief: Heightened naval defense to protect PH maritime zones (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Philippines needs to beef up its naval defenses to fully secure its maritime zones, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino said Wednesday.

"With the imperative to secure our maritime zones, we need to double our effort in strengthening the Philippine Navy as the forerunner in territorial defense. As I stated way back in 2022 (when I was) still as a Chief of Staff," said Centino, a retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, during the Navy's Maritime Security Symposium 2024 held in Quezon City.

Centino said this move is essential as the Philippines is expected to face more maritime threats in the near future.

"And to this day, I firmly believe that a strong Armed Forces of the Philippines needs a modern and multi-capable naval force for it to effectively perform its mandate of protecting the people and securing the state," he stressed.

Centino said there is a need for everyone to fully support the development of the PN "as an institution and the modernization of its capabilities".

This effort seems to have bore fruit as the PN on May 2 was announced to be the recipient of a huge chunk of the USD35 billion proposed budget for the ongoing AFP Modernization Program.

"I feel that this is very significant and timely as the AFP transitions from internal defense and pursues capabilities to multi-domain warfare," Centino said.

If granted, this funding will allow the PN to expand its naval assets and complement acquisitions such as the guided missile corvettes, landing patrol docks, frigates and fast attack interdiction craft.

"Moreover the contributions of the international community to our modernization efforts are highly appreciated which includes coastal radar systems, maritime surveillance systems such as the dark vessel detection system," Centino pointed out.

While technology and equipment are important, he also said having these assets requires the PN to improve the capabilities of its personnel to allow it to become more effective in fulfilling its mandate.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224333