The Philippines is taking decisive steps to safeguard its maritime frontiers as the Department of National Defense (DND) unveils plans to build new military bases and acquire advanced defense assets to secure the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said these initiatives form part of the government’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), a strategic framework directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defend the country’s territories and resources within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Under the CADC, the AFP is shifting from a purely internal security mindset to one that prioritizes external defense. This entails constructing strategically located facilities across the archipelago—particularly in areas facing the WPS—and investing in cutting-edge equipment, surveillance systems, and naval and air capabilities to strengthen the country’s deterrence posture.
The move comes amid a series of incursions by Chinese vessels within the Philippine EEZ, heightening tensions in contested waters. Beijing’s recent announcement of plans to establish a so-called national nature reserve over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)—a traditional fishing ground well within the Philippines’ EEZ—has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger maritime security.
Andolong stressed that the Philippines cannot afford to be complacent. “We are duty-bound to protect our sovereignty, our fisherfolk, and our natural resources. The CADC ensures that we can respond effectively and assertively to any threat to our maritime domain,” he said.
Security experts note that the success of this initiative will depend on sustained funding, inter-agency coordination, and support from allies and partners committed to maintaining freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. For the DND, however, the message is clear: the Philippines is ready to stand its ground and defend its rightful place in the West Philippine Sea.