Navy welcomes new attack craft to boost counter-terrorism efforts

Above and below: The Philippine Navy's new amphibious attack vehicles can be seen at Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard in Manila on September 23, 2019. Photos: Anna Felicia Bajo

The Philippine Navy on Monday held a blessing ceremony for 29 newly acquired vehicles, including four Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) and three multipurpose attack craft (MPAC) Mark III units.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad attended the event at the Navy’s headquarters in Manila.

Lorenzana told reporters that the new assets will help in counter-terrorism efforts in  southern Philippines.

“Ito ay very ideal sa anti-terrorism in the south kasi hindi naman ito pwede sa South China Sea kasi malalakas ‘yung alon diyan. Pero doon sa between islands, napaka ideal nito,” Lorenzana said.

“Mabilis ‘yan at puwedeng panghabol sa mga pirata. Hindi dito sa West Philippine Sea o Benham Rise dahil napaka-rough ng ano diyan,” he added.

According to the Navy, the MPACs, which are are designed for fast interdiction of surface targets, quick reaction force and naval special operations, are crucial for the conduct of swarming operations and projection of the “anvil” force for coastal defense.

AAVs, on the other hand, allow marine operating forces to assault any shoreline from the decks of Navy ships and provide them with armor protection, surface mobility for amphibious and mechanized operations, communications and maintenance capabilities.

The Navy said the new assets may also be used to transport cargo in support of combat service support operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations.

Empedrad said the Navy is hoping to acquire more of these assets in line with its modernization efforts. — BM, GMA News