In a recent statement, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Philippine Navy’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, highlighted the military’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal processes as part of a broader shift towards external defense. This strategic pivot, which began approximately two years ago, marks a significant change from the previous focus on internal security, which was necessitated by local communist insurgencies that have since diminished.
Trinidad emphasized that the transition to external defense has necessitated a comprehensive overhaul of the Navy’s systems and procedures. This includes not only enhancing physical security at military installations but also bolstering cyber, communications, and human security measures. These changes are part of a proactive approach that predates recent espionage concerns, which are currently being addressed by law enforcement with military assistance.
The shift in focus aligns with the policies of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, which has prioritized the enhancement of the Navy. This was underscored by the President’s announcement of moving from internal to external security, a move described by Trinidad as a ‘policy landmark.’
Further reinforcing this strategic direction, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. introduced the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) in early 2024. This new defense strategy mandates the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to protect the entire national territory, including its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone. Trinidad noted that the AFP has made significant strides in adapting its systems and procedures to effectively cover the vast expanse of the archipelago.