The Philippine Navy is eyeing the acquisition of two anti-submarine platforms to align with the AFP’s modernization goals and strengthen its maritime defenses.
According to Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, the Navy has submitted a proposal for the acquisition of two additional frigates or corvettes.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, Trinidad made the statement after admitting that the country has minimal or limited capability to detect underwater vessels, such as submarines.
Previously, the AFP admitted being taken aback by the unexpected presence of the Russian submarine UFA-490 in the West Philippine Sea.
"Our underwater, undersea warfare capability is still modest. It is still (an) ongoing development. We have that modest capability but we have greater capabilities to track surface assets, surface targets," Trinidad said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.
Furthermore, aside from acquiring additional anti-submarine assets, the Navy also confirmed plans to establish new operating bases in Luzon and the Visayas.
This follows Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.'s disclosure that the Navy is only awaiting the go signal from the Office of the President for the construction of a new naval base in Misamis Oriental.
"Yes, magkakaroon ng isa sa Visayas at isang bago sa Luzon. So ito ang base ng Philippine Naval operations ng Philippine Navy sa Mindanao," Teodoro said in an ambush interview.
Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with DZRH, Cmdr. John Percie Alcos, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, mentioned that the proposed forward bases, located in an undisclosed area, will also serve as shelters for the Army, Air Force, and other units.
