Navy chief bats for modernization support to protect PH vast waters

BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) PHOTO/Frances Mangosing

MANILA, Philippines — Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad has called for the support on the establishment of a “credible and modernized” Philippine Navy to secure the entire archipelago.

The Philippine Navy, underfunded and one of the most ill-equipped in the region, is facing a set of challenges, from budget to security of the country’s vast waters.

“We are modernizing our Navy. If we can gather the entire Filipino people to support the modernization para ma-protektahan natin ang teritoryo (to protect our territory). Remember, we are a maritime nation. We have so many islands,” Empedrad told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday.

“Hinihingi ko yung support ng lahat ng mamamayang Pilipino. Tulungan natin ang ating Navy na umangat (I am asking for the support of our countrymen. Let’s support our Navy to advance). Ito ang major service na makakatulong nang maayos sa pag secure ng ating mga (This is a major service that can help to secure our) maritime waters, protect our economic activities and secure our country. Pag may calamity ang Navy ang nakakatabi sa island, not all islands have airstrip na makapag-land (If there’s a calamity, the Navy can get near the islands because not all islands have an airstrip to land on),” he added.

The Philippines has one of the world’s most number of islands and longest coastlines.

“Sa ngayon, kulang sa barko (We lack ships for now). Ine-enhance yung (We are enhancing) littoral monitoring stations so we can see the ships saka i-deploy ang barko (and then we will deploy ships),” Empedrad said.

One of the biggest challenges of the Philippine Navy is the territorial dispute in the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely.

“That’s why we are calling for the modernization of the Navy so that we no longer allow other countries to take what is ours,” the Navy chief said as he recalled China’s takeover of Scarborough Shoal.

As the Navy awaits for the two brand new missile-capable frigates slated for delivery starting 2020, it considers a 30-year old former Korean Navy warship, the newly-acquired BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) as its “most powerful ship.”

Empedrad said that one of their plans in order to come up with more funds for the Navy’s modernization program, is to lease the Navy Headquarters in Roxas Boulevard and a portion of the Bonifacio Naval Station in Taguig City.

The Philippine Navy is looking to acquire two missile-capable frigates, two corvettes, two Pohang-class frigates, six offshore patrol vessels, eight fast attack interdiction craft and two landing docks in the next few years.

President Rodrigo Duterte has also approved the acquisition plan to purchase submarines.

“If we can have that, I think we are credible enough to secure all our territorial waters,” Empedrad said./ac