2 days ago
Marcos wants merchant marines proactive in supporting PH maritime efforts
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. tasked Friday the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) to take proactive steps in supporting the country's maritime efforts amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Marcos made the directive as he visited the Training Center and equipment facilities of the PMMA in San Narciso, Zambales. The President said this as he aims to strengthen national security and further elevate education and technology in the maritime sector.
During his visit, Marcos inspected the P40-million Full Mission Ship Handling Simulator. He also witnessed a live reenactment of the BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) incident last Monday, which resulted in the collision of two Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc.
The President also inspected the PMMA's latest equipment and technology, together with PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal.
The PMMA recently partnered with various agencies and companies like Kpler Singapore, providing AIS and RADAR marine traffic solutions, which enable real-time vessel tracking in strategic waters.
Further, Quanby Solutions also supplied military-grade aerial drones and delivered specialized training to enhance surveillance capabilities.
The PMMA is also collaborating with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on a feasibility study for the innovative "bangka drone" project to secure future funding and deployment.
Marcos has made a commitment that Philippine assets would never back out, after a Chinese vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine ship in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier expressed serious concern over "dangerous" maneuvers by China against Philippine ships in the region last Monday.
To recall, the flagpole of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship BRP Suluan was bent after getting hit by a warship of the PLAN during the incident. The PCG vessel sustained the damage when PLAN 164 had a collision with China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3104 as the two Chinese ships chased the Philippine vessel. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
