The Philippine Navy (PN) will conduct today the blessing of its four newly-acquired Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and three Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) at the Philippine Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

According to the Naval Public Affairs Office, no less than Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has been invited to attend the blessing ceremony to be held at 2 p.m.

Also expected to attend the blessing are Flag Officer in Command (FOIC) of the PN Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad and other high-ranking Navy and Defense department officials.

In a press briefing last month, Empedrad said the PN will continue with its modernization program to better guard the country’s territory from intrusions and further improve territorial defense.

This after the acquisition of four AAV worth P2.42 billion and three more multi-purpose attack craft MPAC.

The first four AAV acquired by the PN were commissioned during its 121st founding anniversary held at Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite last 17 June.

The second batch of AAV, which will be blessed on Monday, arrived last August following the successful inspection done by the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee.

According to Empedrad, the AAV are armed with .50 caliber machine guns, 40mm grenade launchers and smoke launchers.

The three MPAC, on the other hand, will be armed with Spike-ER (extended range) surface-to-surface missiles courtesy of the Rafael Advanced Defense Ltd.

Empedrad said the acquisition of new and modern assets is part of the government’s effort to improve the country’s territorial defense, particularly in securing its waters and its claimed islands.

“That is why the President (Rodrigo Duterte) approved our acquisition of eight fast-attack crafts that can sail 40 knots. And if we are able to get six corvettes and another two Pohangs from South Korea, I think we are credible enough to secure all our territorial waters even if it’s in Mindanao, Northern Luzon or Visayas region,” he added.