Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Philippine Navy to further strengthen its capabilities, warning that the country’s surrounding waters have become arenas of growing competition and conflict amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking during the Philippine Navy’s 128th anniversary celebration at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila, June 9, Marcos said a stronger and more modern Navy is essential to protecting Philippine interests, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, as the regional security environment becomes increasingly complex.
“Strengthening the Philippine Navy’s capabilities remains essential to protecting our interests in the West Philippine Sea in light of the broader realities of our time,” Marcos said.
The president said rapid economic and political developments have transformed the Indo-Pacific into the world’s geopolitical and economic center of gravity, bringing with it new security challenges.
“The seas around us are arenas of competition and of conflict,” Marcos said.
“Global instability, shifting alliances, and emerging threats demand that we maintain a resilient maritime defense posture.”
The remarks come amid continuing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has repeatedly protested the actions of Chinese vessels inside areas Manila considers part of its exclusive economic zone.
Marcos stressed that a capable Navy is crucial not only for national defense but also for maintaining regional stability.
“In this environment, a credible Philippine Navy is indispensable to regional peace,” he said.
The Commander-in-Chief said he has directed the Navy to further enhance its operational capabilities while tasking the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deepen cooperation with allies and partner nations.
“The DND-AFP was also tasked to further expand and deepen partnerships, exchanges, and interactions with allies and friendly forces,” Marcos said.
The president added that the Navy’s modernization efforts are aimed at protecting the country’s maritime resources, securing critical sea lanes and strengthening the country’s contribution to regional security cooperation.
“Through the modernization of the Navy, we are safeguarding our economic lifelines, protecting our people, and enhancing our ability to contribute to security and cooperation in our region,” he said.
