Marcos: Stronger Navy essential to protect West PH Sea

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday underscored the importance of strengthening the Philippine Navy's capabilities to protect the country's interests in the West Philippine Sea.

In his speech for the Philippine Navy's 128th anniversary celebration, the President said that through the modernization of the Navy, the government is safeguarding economic lifelines, protecting the people, and enhancing ability to contribute to security and cooperation in the region.

"For over a century, the Philippine Navy has stood watch over our waters, defending our sovereignty and protecting our people. It continues to do so amidst evolving security challenges that require even greater vigilance," Marcos said.

"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," he added.

He also pointed out that rapid economic and political developments in the 21st century "have reshaped global growth and placed the Indo-Pacific region at the geopolitical and economic center of gravity."

"Global instability, shifting alliances, and emerging threats demand that we maintain a resilient maritime defense posture. In this environment, a credible Philippine Navy is indispensable to regional peace," Marcos emphasized.

During the event, Marcos also witnessed the commissioning of the BRP Rajah Lakandula, a ship that is considered a significant addition to the Philippine Navy's fleet.

"Named after Rajah Lakandula, one of the leaders of pre-colonial Manila, this vessel carries forward a legacy of courage, leadership, and devotion to the country," the President said.

"Truly, this is a pivotal step towards realizing the Navy's vision of a modern and self-reliant force. This vessel enhances our capacity to safeguard our resources and assert our sovereignty," he added.

Marcos delivered his message days after reports of an alleged structure being built by China at the contested Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Maritime monitoring group SeaLight shared satellite images of the alleged structure, which is about 10 meters in diameter.

Mindanao quake

In the aftermath of the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Sarangani in Mindanao on Monday, Marcos also commended the Philippine Navy for its commitment to protect and serve the people, particularly those affected by the disaster.

"Following the earthquake, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao immediately activated its disaster response mechanisms and placed its rescue team on heightened alert for emergency response and humanitarian assistance operations," the President said.

The reported death toll from the powerful earthquake has increased to 37, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday.

Thirty-three deaths were reported in Soccsksargen—18 in Sarangani, 12 in General Santos City, and 3 in South Cotabato). Four deaths, meanwhile, were reported in Davao Region. — VDV, GMA News