PH Navy eyes use of 'capital ships' to defend EEZ

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) is focusing on protecting the country's vast exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with its available capital ships, a ranking naval official said on Tuesday.

"Without going into details (on) the numbers, the PN through the Philippine Fleet has a deployment plan that is now focusing on the EEZ based on the CADC (Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept) of the Department of National Defense. We are now focusing on the deployment of our capital ships to cover the vast expanse of the EEZ," PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in an interview at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City when asked about the Navy's ships that can be deployed at any given time.

The CADC aims to develop the Philippines' capabilities to protect its entire territory, including its EEZ.

Capital ships are considered the most advanced and capable units of any Navy.

In the case of the PN, this refers to the Jose Rizal-class frigates, the Gregorio Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels, Emilio Jacinto-class patrol vessels, and the Conrado Yap-class corvette, to name a few.

Trinidad, meanwhile, said the Navy's mandate, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is to defend and ensure the country's territorial integrity.

He made this comment when asked if the PN is capable of taking over the PCG's escort role after two of its ships were damaged in by the China Coast Guard's latest act of harassment incident near Escoda Shoal (also known as Sabina Shoal) on Aug. 19.

"The mandate of the PN and the AFP is to ensure the integrity of the territory, which includes the conduct of patrols, sea patrols, surface patrols, and maritime air surveillance flights with or without the Coast Guard," Trinidad said.

He also said the PN, through the Naval Forces West, has its patrol plan which the Western Command integrates with other government maritime agencies like the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (PNA)