BBM: Countries offer to build  submarines

CEBU, Philippines —  The acquisition of submarines for the Philippine Navy (PN) remains part of the plan President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said yesterday with offers from different countries along with domestic assembly and construction of naval assets.

“There is a plan. But it’s still being developed, dahil ang commitment para mag-operate ng submarine is not a small commitment. It is a very large commitment because of the training that is involved, the equipment that is involved and the operational requirements that are involved are quite significant,” President Marcos said during a media interview following his attendance at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Navy in Manila.

At the moment though, Marcos said, the country is still developing its anti-submarine capabilities.

“So, it is still part of our plan. But right now, we are in the middle of developing mostly our anti-submarine capabilities. So, ‘yun ang uunahin natin and then hopefully when the time comes and the conditions are agreeable then we might be able to acquire those submarines.”

Several countries though unnamed accordingly have already made an offer not only for completely-built submarines but also to build them here in the Philippines.

With this, it will not only boost the country’s defense but also generate local jobs.

“If they are built here and we can actually build submarines here and provide those submarines to other countries then that’s another source of jobs, and of income and increased capability for our Navy,” Marcos added.

Also in the time being, President Marcos Jr. reiterated his commitment to ensuring the welfare of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their families as he led the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Navy (PN).

“And so, to the brave men and women of our Navy: in fulfilling your duties and mandates, be agents and exemplars for our citizenry by working for unity and by championing respect for our Constitution and the rule of law,” President Marcos said.

“Rest assured that as your Commander-in-Chief, this Administration will work tirelessly not only to improve the Armed Forces but also in looking for ways and means to improve your individual welfare and those of your families and loved ones as well.”

The President paid tribute to the Navy as an institution and to the men and women behind it, both uniformed and civilian, for continuing the noble cause of defending the Republic’s sovereignty and keeping the peace.

“We recognize today’s awardees whose individual exemplary performances are a source of inspiration and a spur to improvements for the institution and its ranks,” Marcos said.

The President also mentioned the changing tides of national security, which he said, compelled the Armed Forces to speed up modernization and recalibrate its focus more towards external defense of the nation’s borders.

“In this crucial transition, full support for the Armed Forces must be guaranteed, especially for the Philippine Navy’s priority goals of enhancing its intelligence, defense, and coordinative capabilities,” said Marcos.

Two PN vessels, Patrol Gunboat (PG) 903 and PG 905 will be deployed in the Visayas and Mindanao. This is expected to address gaps in operational support against transnational crimes and protect the territorial integrity and maritime interests.

“With the commissioning of the two vessels today (yesterday), we look further forward to the completion of the AFP Modernization Program, particularly its Horizon 3, which is significantly devoted to the naval aspect of our military operations,” said President Marcos.