AFP backs development of expeditionary navy

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday expressed support for the development of an expeditionary navy capable of conducting missions beyond home waters, saying this is necessary for the country's defense as an archipelagic nation.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for West Philippine Sea, said the AFP fully supports the vision by Defense Secretary Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro Jr. on the necessity of developing an expeditionary Navy.

"As an archipelagic nation that relies on the seas as our lifeblood, the shift toward a blue-water, expeditionary capability is a natural and necessary evolution of our national defense posture," Trinidad said in a statement.

He said the initiative is aligned with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).

Trinidad said this move calls for the projection of capabilities to protect Philippine territory, defend sovereignty, secure sovereign rights across maritime borders, and safeguard sea lanes of communication.

According to Trinidad, an expeditionary naval force would allow the Philippine Navy to maintain a persistent presence at sea, conduct long-range maritime patrols, project deterrence across the country's maritime domain, and respond to the needs of Filipinos abroad.

Teodoro earlier shared the goal of developing the Philippine Navy into becoming expeditionary to protect Philippine national interests, even in the high seas.

"We need an expeditionary navy to be able to protect Filipinos, seafarers, and Filipino vessels in the high seas, alike and alongside like-minded countries,” he said. — VDV, GMA News