PH builds more ships to boost WPS patrol

THE Philippines will build more patrol vessels to further enhance the country's presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday, amid China's continued aggression in the disputed waters.

In a chance interview on the sidelines of the 122nd anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard, the President said the PCG was expecting around 40 more vessels to be made in Cebu.

«So we are continuing with the upgrading of the equipment, the training, and the capabilities of all our people, especially the Coast Guard, not only because they are on the frontline in the problems now that we are facing in the West Philippine Sea but also because of the very important function that they play when it comes to search and rescue when it comes to maritime incidents, when it comes to even disaster assistance,» Marcos told reporters.

«They have many things to do, so we are continuing with the new vessel that we are seeing there, the 40-foot vessel that is made in Cebu. We will eventually have 40 of them, and that will give us an increased capability. This is ongoing,» he added.

The President said the Philippines «is lucky as we have many friends around the world» who are helping strengthen the PCG's capabilities.

«Makikita naman natin na nagi-increase ang ating capability para makapag-defend sa maritime, sovereign territory ng Pilipinas (You can see that our capability is increasing so that we can defend the maritime, sovereign territory of the Philippines),» he added.

In his speech, Marcos lauded the PCG for upholding the country's maritime security, promoting maritime rights, fighting smuggling, as well as for protecting the nation's marine environment and securing the safety of local fisherfolk.

«Your integrity, your discipline and professionalism in the performance of your mandate have helped us further our collective vision of a stronger, more harmonious and more resilient Philippines,» he said.

«The Philippine Coast Guard remained steadfast in assuming a pivotal role in our continued promotion and protection of our country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction and in being at the forefront of our efforts to ensure that our fishers and