Navy launches strategy in the south amid China's aggressiveness

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Philippine Navy has launched its "active archipelagic strategy" to defend and secure the country's territory  in the face of China's aggressiveness over the disputed West Philippine Sea, said Naval Chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano.

However, Alano  refused to elaborate about the naval effort in asserting its mission following Beijing's  fishing rule in the disputed waters it claimed to be as part of its territory.

According to Alano, their security effort has been there and was not in response to the posturing of the Chinese  over the resource-rich disputed territory.

“This (active archipelagic strategy security plan) is something that has already been there. As we do that, we are creating more prosperity. And with prosperity more things needs to be secure for our people,” Alano said when asked by newsmen if the naval operational plan was in response to the Chinese domination and control of the disputed territory.

Alano said the Navy is developing its capability.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier said  the military is willing to escort and secure Filipino fishermen following China's fishing rules.

Alano said the Navy continues to improve ncrease its capabilities and the upgrades are  in the pipeline under the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Alano has also installed Tuesday a new commander of the naval command base here.

Alano placed Rear Admiral Jesus Millan as commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), the largest navy operational command  to replace Vice Rear Admiral Isabelo Gador in a formal turn-over of command ceremony held at the ground of Romula Espaldon naval base in Lower Calarian in this city.

Gador was promoted to a higher position being the incoming Naval Vice Commander.

Alano, who presided  over the change of command ceremony, credited Gador’s leadership in helping quell the siege staged by the rebels of the Nur Misuari faction of the  Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in September in this city.

The attack of the MNLF rebels was detected initially by the patrolling naval boat following the encounter that left one of its personnel killed and prevented possible succeeding reinforcement of the rebels coming from Sulu and Basilan through the seas.

Alano reminded the new leadership of the NFWM of the vital role of the base here as the Philippine Navy's largest operational command in ensuring  stability in this part of the country.- Roel Pareño