To upgrade assets, capabilities

CITING the need for the Philippines to upgrade its naval capabilities and facilities, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri commended the Philippine Navy (PN) at the blessing of the newly upgraded Naval Shipbuilding Center at the Naval Shipyard in Cavite City, where he was their guest of honor for the christening of two new patrol gunboats.

“Despite the much more advanced technologies of some of the foreign actors – or sometimes I say, the bullies – aggressively circling our territory, the men and women of the Navy never backed down from your sworn duty to protect the country and the Filipino people,” Zubiri said.

“But I also know that with the proper equipment and technology, the Navy can and will serve the country even better. I have no doubt that with these two new patrol gunboats, the Navy will be able to beef up our border patrol and maritime defense toward the ultimate goal of protecting our sovereignty,” he said.

The two new patrol gunboats, BRP Gener Tinangag (PG903) and BRP Domingo Deluana (PG905), are Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missiles (FAICs) originally developed for the Israeli navy. These two newest gunboats are part of a fleet of nine Shaldag MK V vessels commissioned from Israel Shipyards Ltd.

Named after late Cpl. Gener Tinangag and late Sgt. Domingo Deluana, who both died in the line of duty (in Marawi and Maguindanao, respectively), the two vessels are expected to join the Navy’s Acero-class patrol gunboats.

Along with the christening of the vessels was the blessing of the newly upgraded naval shipbuilding yard, a project also undertaken in partnership with Israel Shipyards Ltd.

“This is a giant step forward, as this will empower the Navy to be more self-sufficient in building and repairing its vessels, which will bring us closer to being on equal footing with the maritime technology of our neighboring countries,” said Zubiri.

The Senate President also assured the PN they have the whole Senate’s support.

“We still lack state-of-the-art maritime equipment and technology. Today the Navy makes up for that in heart, in smarts, and in courage, but that is not enough, kung ‘di namin kayo bibigyan ng sapat na equipment.”

Zubiri gave his commitment to pursuing Horizon II and Horizon III projects.

“All 24 senators are committed to providing additional help and equipment to the Navy, particularly for more ships, more planes – we’re also looking at anti-submarine planes, larger base ships for the West Philippine Sea (WPS). We’re also asking the Israeli Government to help us with armaments and missile systems – because what good is a brand new boat without armaments?” the Senate chief pointed out.

Zubiri said that he will advocate for AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and Navy modernization in his upcoming meeting with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regarding the 2024 National Expenditure Program.

In support of the Navy’s “Self Reliant Defense Posture,” Zubiri also made a commitment to pass the Philippine Defense Industry Development Act to build the capacity to produce armaments and vessels for the Armed Forces locally.

Welcoming Zubiri at the event were officers of the Navy, led by Flag Officer in Command, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci, as well as Rear Admiral Renato David and Rear Admiral Mac Raul Racacho, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, and Israel Shipyards Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eitan Zucker.

The families of the deceased officers Tinangag and Deluana were in attendance as well.

“I want to stress that today, the new ships are only secondary to me today,” Zubiri said.

“Ang prayoridad ko ngayon at magbigay-pugay sa pamilyang Tinangag at pamilyang Deluana, para sa pagbuwis nila Cpl. Tinangag and Sgt. Deluana ng buhay para sa bayan. Hindi po sila makakalimutan ng ating bansa at ng ating mga kababayan,” he furthered.

“With the new yard and the new patrol gunboats, I am hopeful that the Navy feels better equipped to be our vanguards of freedom, independence, and democracy and to be protectors of our people,” Zubiri stressed.