The Philippine Navy and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have expressed full support for Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s proposal to build an “expeditionary navy” to safeguard the nation’s merchant shipping fleet and maritime interests.
Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez affirmed that developing expeditionary capabilities remains strictly aligned with the military’s defensive mandate under the 1987 Constitution and international law. She noted that the initiative supports ongoing modernization efforts to enhance fleet reach, maritime domain awareness, and interoperability with partner navies.
AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad added that transitioning toward a blue-water, expeditionary force is a necessary evolution of national defense. Trinidad emphasized that the shift directly supports the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept by enabling persistent presence, long-range maritime patrols, and deterrence across the country’s sea lanes.