PH shifts to border defense – Marcos

Amid the “changing tides” in the Philippines’ national security, President Marcos said the country is working to recalibrate its focus more to external defense of its borders.

As he witnessed the commissioning of the two brand new Israeli-made fast attack interdiction craft (FAIC) platforms—brp Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (Pg905)—during the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Navy on Friday, May 26, Marcos reiterated that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is facing new challenges.

This, he said, prompted the country to “recalibrate its focus” in ensuring national security.

“Considering the changing tides of our national security, and the significant gains that we have made in terms of internal security, our Armed Forces is working to recalibrate its focus more toward external defense of our borders,” he said.

The President stressed that at this time, the government’s full support to the AFP, especially the Navy “must be guaranteed.”

“In this crucial transition, full support for the Armed Forces must be guaranteed, especially for the Philippine Navy’s priority goals of enhancing its intelligence, defense, and coordinative capabilities,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the commissioning of the two vessels will pave the way for the “holistic transformation” of the AFP into “a stronger, modern and formidable organization.”

“By then, the AFP will be more effective in its military aims and more responsive to our national goals,” he said.

For external defense

The commander-in-chief also bared that the newly commissioned vessels will also be used for patrol in the West Philippines Sea.

“Oh yes. Oh yes. They are actually being used for patrol, not just in the West Philippine Sea but also for civil defense,” Marcos said.

“Since they have already been commissioned, then we will include this to our inventory of our ships that will be used both for defense from external forces and also for civil defense for responding to disasters.”