MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of vital maritime routes across the nation, aligning with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). During a recent press conference, PN’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, emphasized that the Navy’s vigilance extends beyond the San Bernardino Strait to include multiple strategic chokepoints.
Trinidad highlighted that the CADC encompasses not only the San Bernardino Strait and the southernmost tip of the Bicol Region but also critical passages such as the Surigao Strait, Basilan Strait, Sibutu Passage, Balabac Passage, Verde Island Passage, and the northern Balintang or Basi Channel. These areas are designated as chokepoints, essential for maritime security.
The CADC represents a strategic pivot for the Philippine military, aiming to safeguard the entire national territory and its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Chokepoints, described as crucial maritime passages, are integral to this defense strategy.
Trinidad further explained that these chokepoints are monitored through a combination of littoral stations, land-based sensors, as well as ship-based and aerial surveillance systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage and security.