PHILIPPINE NAVY HEADQUARTERS, Manila — Amidst protests from China and Malaysia regarding the new maritime laws signed by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., newly designated Philippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Jose Maria Ambrosio Ezpeleta has expressed firm commitment to sustain and further strengthen military might and presence at sea as part of efforts to deter attempts to subvert the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Surely there are rough seas that we may be sailing through in the future. When those moments come, it is our relentless commitment and our steadfast duty that will allow us to stay on course and remain full speed ahead, to act in concert to defend our national interests, protect our people and safeguard our waters. Let us all work together toward the same goal,” Ezpeleta stressed in his assumption speech.

Ezpeleta, who officially replaced Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. as Philippine Navy chief in a change of command ceremony attended by President Marcos along with defense secretary Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lietutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr., did not specifically mention China and Malaysia which both have rival claims with the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

Even then, the new Navy chief acknowledged that the Philippines is now “operating in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment that is steadily transforming into a brittle, anxious, nonlinear and incomprehensible one.”

As of late, the Philippines has been facing challenges to its national security that has placed the Philippine Navy at the forefront of the country’s defense against intrusions from foreign vessels, particularly from the China Coast Guard.

“As directed by our commander-in-chief and aligned with policies from the Department of National Defense and higher headquarters, we shall continue to embrace and prepare for our increasing role in external defense operations, especially with the adoption of the comprehensive archipelagic concept and in tandem with the Navy’s active archipelagic defense strategy,” Ezpeleta disclosed.

Ezpeleta stressed that recalibrating the country’s defense strategies would require the Philippine Navy to intensify its maritime security operations by strengthening its presence in operational areas which is why our naval forces must be commited to “continue to enhance the support of the unified commands and push for the optimum deployment of naval assets and personnel.”