PH Marines show off coastal defense maneuvers, plans

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Marine Corps recently gave a preview of its current and future coastal defense capabilities.

Newly-installed Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan checked out the Coastal Defense Regiment on Tuesday (Jan. 5) to see for himself a demonstration of capability by the regiment.

The regiment presented to Caculitan its capabilities in securing knowledge management system, warfare simulation and portable secure remote internet connectivity, according to Marine spokesperson Maj. Emery Torre.

In the coming years, according to Torre, the regiment would acquire mobile, shore-based anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems.

These mobile missile systems are seen to be a significant improvement in the Philippines’ ability to defend its coastlines amid a territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.

The regiment, headed by Col. Romulo Quemado II, was activated last Aug. 7, 2020. The Marines said this unit was designed to protect the country’s shores, ships and amphibious task forces against an invading enemy and to improve support of naval operations.

It is expected to be fully functional by 2026.

TSB