Manila: The Philippine Navy (PN) announced on Tuesday an increase in interactions with its allies in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) this year, as the country adopts the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) to safeguard its maritime territories. According to PN spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the statement from Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on the CADC has led to a significant rise in activities involving the Armed Forces and their partners in the WPS. This was revealed during a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, Trinidad highlighted that the number of multilateral maritime activities has grown from three in 2023 to at least ten anticipated in 2024. These activities involve ships from various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, European powers, Japan, and the US. Secretary Teodoro officially announced the shift to CADC in February, aiming to secure the nation’s territory and its exclusive e
conomic zone (EEZ).
Trinidad emphasized that these multilateral maritime activities are crucial for fostering international engagements, which extend beyond naval, air, or ground operations to include disaster response. He cited international support received before Severe Tropical Storm Kristine from ASEAN countries and the US as a result of these engagements. Although he did not disclose the number of events planned for the next year, Trinidad assured that the engagements with other maritime nations are set to increase, following the guidance of the Secretary of National Defense.
The activities are conducted within the Philippines’ EEZ and align with international law and the Arbitral Tribunal Ruling of 2016. Trinidad also noted the participation of other nations, which send capital ships or their most capable naval vessels, indicating the international community’s support for upholding international law in the region. He mentioned the recent involvement of Italy’s aircraft carrier and major ships from Eu
ropean powers as a testament to the global backing for the Philippines’ defense strategy in the maritime domain.