Marcos to DND: Review force deployment

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday told the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to review, maximize, and strategically deploy the country’s forces, including specialized units, to ensure they are responsive to geopolitical challenges.

The President, during the commemoration of the 67th founding anniversary of the Naval Special Operations Command (Navsocom) in Sangley Point in Cavite, said the skills of the country’s specialized units like Navsocom should be harnessed to support naval defense and enhance maritime security.

Navsocom, which is modeled after the United States’ Underwater Demolition Team, is composed of experts in sea, air and land (SEAL) operations that include reconnaissance, close combat, demolition, intelligence and underwater operations.

It is mandated to defend the country against terrorism, insurgency, and other national security threats.

“As we move now from focusing on ensuring internal security for the country, we now have to bolster the country’s external defense and I exhort the DND and the AFP to maximize and strategically review the deployment of our forces to ensure that their strategies remain responsive to the current and future geopolitical realities,” Marcos said.

“I also enjoin the Navy to strengthen the unit’s capability by partnering with forces from like-minded states, to uphold our shared commitment to freedom of navigation, peace and stability and the rule of law,” the President added.

He urged Navsocom personnel to continue honing their skills and serve as models not just as the members of the Navy’s special unit but as public servants.

“Let us bring stability, peace and prosperity in our lands and in our seas… Malaki po ang papel na ginagampanan ng inyong institusyon sa pagsulong ng isang bagong Pilipinas sa panahon ngayon. Inaasahan ko ang inyong patuloy na pakikilahok at suporta sa adhikain na ito (Let us bring stability, peace and prosperity in our lands and in our seas… Your institution plays a big role in pushing for a new Philippines. I expect your continued support in this endeavor),” he added.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthen Navsocom’s