Moreno vows to Improve coastal Defenses, Navy to have upgrades if elected

Last Thursday, Isko Moreno reiterated his vow to improve and modernize the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard if elected president in 2022. 

In a radio interview over DZRH, Moreno stated that “It’s high time for us to redirect most of our resources in the Armed Forces to reinforce our capacity in that part of our country. Our waters from Tawi-Tawi to Batanes, kailangan malagyan natin yon ng presensya ng ating Hukbong Pandagat. That’s why, about two months ago, sabi ko we will reinforce our capability with regard to our Navy and Coast Guard. Kailangan mag-invest na tayo because we are an archipelagic country.”

In the interview, Moreno references a previous dialogue he had with the fisherfolk of Zambales wherein he promised to be “fearless” in asserting the Hague Ruling. Moreno also strives to build up the country’s water defenses and secure the unimpeded access for small fisherfolk to abundant fishing grounds. These statements come as a response to the recent situation where Chinese fisherfolk were spotted operating in the West Philippine Sea. Last month, three Chinese Coast Guard ships blocked off and used water cannons to drive away Philippine boats en route to transport supplies to military personnel in Ayungin Shoal. This act garnered the attention of the Philippine Government as they see the shoal as a part of the country’s exclusive economic zone. 

Moreno has said that upgrading the country’s Navy and Coast Guard will help prevent similar occurrences in the future. He also adds that Filipino fisherfolk will be able to enjoy “undeterred, peaceful, and productive fishing opportunities” in disputed areas. 

“Katulad ng pakikipag-ugnayan ko sa mga mangingisda sa Zambales, I made a guarantee that we will fish in our ocean, in our sea, within our territorial jurisdiction. We will be fearless in such a way na kailangan nating ipasunod ang ating panalo at ito ay kailangang unawain ng ibang bansa na kasapi rin naman dito. In the same manner, I think the Chinese government will come to its senses na if we prove to ourselves na karespe-respeto tayo, we have to do some actions like what Widodo did. Baka minsan ay kailangan yata, may golpe de gulat din na makita sila sa atin because it is ours. Hindi naman tayo makikipag-giyera, we just have to position ourselves in a very strong manner,” he said.

These agendas are a part of the candidate’s “Filipino First, Philippines First” policy as Moreno looks to gain a stronger hold in the West Philippine Sea. Moreno believes that securing these fishing grounds will be an important avenue to providing food security for the rest of the country. 

“First things first. Food security is a threat to national security. We must fish and we will fish in the West Philippine Sea. That is a guarantee that I made sa ating mga mangigisda dyan sa parte ng ating bansa. And we will be loyal to our country. We will be loyal to our fellow Filipinos. And that’s what matters most. Kung yan ang pamantayan, hindi na tayo maliligaw kung sino ang tunay nating amo. Ang amo natin, mga Pilipino. Ang amo natin ay bansa. We owe it to the country,” he said.

Furthermore, Moreno has also claimed that he will fight for the country’s right over Sabah. Sabah was once known as a part of North Borneo before the formation of the Malaysian Federation in 1963. As it is located approximately 500 kilometers from the Philippines, the government has attempted to advance its claim over the territory since 1961. 

“We must pursue it the way we do with the West Philippine Sea. If it is ours historically and we have a valid claim about it, then we must pursue it. In a civilized world, in a civilized time, we must abide by law and order. And if there is a forum for that, like the United Nations, tayo, di tayo titigil. We will be fearless in claiming what is ours,” said Moreno.