Marcos to military: Bolster external defenses

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Malacañang Palace grounds in Manila on Nov. 3, 2023. (File photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Working together with “like-minded states” will improve the capabilities of the Philippine Navy in securing the country’s maritime territory, President Marcos said on Monday as he directed the Department of National Defense (DND) to assess its deployment of troops.

“As we move now from focusing on ensuring internal security for the country, we now have to bolster the country’s external defenses,” Mr. Marcos said at the 67th anniversary of the Naval Special Operations Command (Navsocom) in Cavite province.

“Let us also continue harnessing the skills of our specialized units in preparing for all contingencies. The Navsocom, with its expertise in sea, air, and land — or SEAL, operations — must be utilized to support naval defense and enhance maritime security,” he said.

The Commander in Chief said the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines should see to it that their military strategies would “remain responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities.”

“I also enjoin the Navy to strengthen the unit’s capabilities by partnering with forces from like-minded states to uphold our shared commitment to freedom of navigation, peace and stability, and the rule of law,” he said.

The President made the remarks two days after visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation among allied countries in upholding the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea during his speech at the special joint session of Congress.