Philippine Navy SEALS, aboard their assault vessels, simulate a rescue operation during the 120th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy, Tuesday, May 22, 2018. (Photo by BULLIT MARQUEZ / AP)
The Philippine Navy plans to develop bases and storage facilities to properly secure its new and upcoming premium assets.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, in an interview with military’s radio station DWDD on Wednesday, said they were seeking budget for bases support development in Sangley Point, Cavite estimated at P11 billion as well as storage facilities for its weapons that would cost another P7 billion.
“Ngayon may limang barko tayong malalim ang draft na walang matabihan. Laging naka anchor sa dagat, nakaandar ang makina. Napapagod ang mga personnel. That’s what we should develop,” Empedrad said.
The Navy chief said they are also eyeing Caballo Island, Subic, and Cebu for the storage facilities for its missiles and torpedoes.
“We have to distribute them strategically. We can’t put them in one place,” he said.
“One missile costs P10 million. Torpedoes and ‘yung malalaking surface-to-surface missiles cost P100 million each. To secure big-ticket equipment is as important as acquiring them,” he added.
He also said they are in the process of formulating doctrines for the storage and operation for such weapons.
The Navy is set to test its recently acquired Israeli-built missile system on their multi-purpose attack craft in July. Empedrad said President Rodrigo Duterte is interested to witness the first testing.
The Spike ER missiles were delivered to the Philippines last April. It has a range of eight kilometers.
In an interview last month, the Navy chief said they are finalizing plans where to deploy the vessels, and that among the locations being considered include Palawan and Zamboanga. /kga