DND refocuses on archipelagic defense, protection

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

Teodoro highlighted the importance of reinforcing the country’s sovereign rights by using baselines as the “foundation” to determine its maritime territories, particularly the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). (File Photo: Department of National Defense – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) is refocusing its strategic direction toward archipelagic defense and protection of Philippine sovereignty, particularly the country’s eastern seaboard, where the resource-rich Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise) is located.

During the House of Representatives appropriations committee hearing on the DND’s proposed PHP258.2 billion budget for 2025 on Thursday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Comprehensive Archipelagic Basing System is among the priority agenda of the department to strengthen the Philippines’ defense posture amid regional tensions.

Teodoro highlighted the importance of reinforcing the country’s sovereign rights by using baselines as the “foundation” to determine its maritime territories, particularly the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“We have to move outward rather than in-land in a joint manner. For example, we have to build new naval bases and ports in outlying areas, which would perhaps be for joint use. Also, so that our upscaled fisherfolk can dock outside, they form cooperatives, have bigger vessels with refrigeration and proper storage facilities. They can avail of these and of course, maritime safety and security,” he said.

Teodoro said setting up strategic bases in the eastern seaboard is also part of efforts to protect the country’s resources and prevent unlawful activities.

“What we also want to concentrate on is the Philippine Rise and the eastern board of the Philippines. Everybody is naturally focused on the West Philippine Sea right now, but there’s a vast area that we have to protect and prevent any illegal and unlawful research and occupation,” he said.

Part of the strategic basing, he said, would also include the Philippines’ claim to its extended continental shelf (ECS) in the Western Palawan Region.

“We also have to take into consideration in our planning right now, even though it has not been approved, that the Philippines has filed an application for an extended continental shelf, which will affect also our area scope of operations, notionally, at least for this time,” he said.

Teodoro, meanwhile, cited the need to build alliances and international engagements, particularly to secure the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea.

“Our claims in the West Philippine Sea and other areas are not only dependent on our ability to enforce our will on the area but also the recognition given by the international community and getting active participation and engagement by the international community on these. This is vitally important for us,” he said.

As for the Re-Horizon 3 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, Teodoro said the department is trying to find ways to finance the acquisitions using the resources of the banking system.

“So as to spread the risk of loans and to divide loans that we can negotiate to acquire capabilities and divide these into as small as possible amortizations so it is more digestible for our economy and this is the focus that we have on new applications for capability. Naturally, the capabilities that will be provided should be provided by countries, which are strategically aligned with us, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

He noted that the Philippines has been soliciting offers to acquire 40 new multi-role fighter aircraft to boost the country’s defense.

As part of broader reforms, the DND has also filed a transformation bill to enhance its organizational capabilities.

Teodoro noted the need for specialized skills and infrastructure to manage the department’s operations effectively, given the volatile security environment and the demands of modern defense management.