The U.S. Drones In Zamboanga City and the Philippine UAV Programs

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or Drones on simple terminology is essential for surveillance operations like having it on the Battlefield especially when supporting an ally. The United States is doing just that, with Predator drones stationed in Zamboanga City while the Philippine Air Force embarks on a series of deals that will help provide such kind of surveillance equipment.

IN THE HEADLINES

This is the MQ-1 Predator Drone operated by the United States.
Photo Obtained from the Foxtrot Alpha website.

The United States for the years is operating MQ-1 Predator Drones which are ideal for counter-terrorism operations where several units of these planes are deployed across the globe. Areas are pinpointed through this document from the American Friends Service Committee in which it includes the City of Zamboanga where they classify it as "The main base of counter-terrorism" operations of the United States for Southeast Asia.

Reports about these drones were barely done it on mainstream media sites, even in local, Zamboanga-based ones as per experience. It was only then that it was reported through various outlets that one of such unit "crashed" on Barangay Sta. Maria at the nearby Edwin Andrews Airbase as it approached the runway where it accidentally hit a tree upon flying so low where it endangers itself, which caused the loss of the plane which cost millions of dollars in the process. The locals barely have little idea about it considering partly the Operational Security measures that applied to the exact whereabouts of these units and its corresponding time. But these aren't dismissing the fact that the United States has several of these Predator Drones deployed in the City. 

Hence, it will be as good to have knowledge about the drone itself and the place the United States chooses to deploy it in the Philippines as well as the nature of the importance of such deployment where, the island of Mindanao having the problems in terms of peace and security, makes it one of that importance.

THE U.S. MQ-1 DRONE

Photo credits provided.

The drones that are deployed in Zamboanga City are manufactured by General Atomics where it is presently operated by several users from different which definitely include the United States Air Force or USAF. 

These units of long-endurance, medium-altitude unmanned aircraft system for surveillance and reconnaissance missions were created from a contract awarded for General Atomics back year 1994 for the requirements of a certain Predator program of its time. Production was started three years later which several hundred of those went to USAF with six being in the Italian Air Force. Apparently, these dates are pertaining to the first version of the Predator drone which is the RQ-1. Forum discussions with several people in service gave an idea that there are several of these said units are with the Philippine Government in which, details aren't that clear. More of this as the discussion progress in this article.

Its designation, later on, changed from RQ-1 to MQ-1, signifying its role change from plain reconnaissance or surveying target movements for decision taking to multi-role where the drone became a target exterminating machine fitted with air to ground missile system designed to zero-in on target real-time at a switch of a button away from the main operator of the drones. The AGM-114 missiles that it carries may provide such capability of shooting any threat on sight besides its intended roles of surveillance as well as providing the necessary support to the ground troops which at instances go proven within the U.S. Military. Such a use though may go uneasy at the recent time such as the one being depicted in an article two years before the present publishing date, but the US provided its help of providing services needed especially on matters like unmanned surveillance that the Philippine military still on the process of gathering related resources and honing skills regarding it.

The coverage of its deployment ranges from the Zamboanga Peninsula down to its environs like Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi wherein these places especially the latter three comes with insurgency threats made by insurgency bandits who sought violence against the populace which is the trend when it comes to waging terrorist threats. With the range of 770 miles, its assignment in Zamboanga City simply makes sense where the aforementioned environs are within the range of this unmanned vehicle, providing a better picture of gathering intel against insurgent movements.

With such effectiveness that these drones have in the U.S. Armed Forces in gathering what they need to simply make their objectives easily done, their Philippine counterparts are keen to develop, provide and improve its own unmanned aerial vehicle program, where a number of assets are already obtained with several more may come at the future where it will be helpful in conducting local surveillance operations against local OPFOR or opposition forces like the communist rebels and radical insurgents.

THE PHILIPPINE DRONE PROCUREMENT

The Boeing Insitu ScanEagle drone that the Philippine military presently obtains.
Image courtesy from Defense News.

The Philippine Armed Forces in itself presently obtain a number of programs for the purchase of its own Unmanned Aerial Vehicles which are primarily more for surveillance especially that its advantage can determine the outcome of the overall combat situation on the ground just by providing the information so as to the whereabouts and positions that the enemy forces deployed. 

This goes with the aim of minimizing reliance on allies like the United States about understanding the present developments being made by the enemy. Take note that several of these programs are either available already on the inventory of the military or still in the process of procurement which awaits awarding, contract signing, and notice to proceed.

One of the drones that were purchased by the Philippine military is the Insitu ScanEagle (see image above) where it is currently in service with the Philippine Air Force where this is also used by the United States Navy and Marine Corps for their own reconnaissance operations. Since its entry into service last year, this kind of drone provides an additional capability that the military needs in order to track potential enemy movements that may pose threat to the country's national security, in both internal and external aspects that affect overall peace and stability among the citizenry and the overall sovereignty that this nation stands upon. Another drone project is the Israeli-made Hermes 900 from its manufacturer Elbit who is also the company that supplied the Philippine Army with Remote Controlled Weapons Systems-armed M-113 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the Hermes 450 UAVs that was purchased also last year which is for the Philippine Air Force's 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing.

These aforementioned drones, while primarily focused more on surveillance operations, have lacked the capabilities that the MQ-1 obtains where the U.S. drone is capable of carrying guided munitions that can target a threat on sight. Nevertheless, such capability isn't what the Philippine military looks for a drone given that a sufficient intel that these unmanned aerial vehicles may bring will provide inputs so as to the next action will take.

From here, additional UAVs in the fleet may help complement the U.S. operations in the country especially in the Southen Part such as in Mindanao where this enhances counter-terrorism operations in which it hampers the overall peace situation in the island. Moreover, the sharing of intel-related data and other essential information through the aid of additional surveillance equipment may help get a better picture as far as the situation on the ground is concerned, up to date.

U.S. COUNTERTERROR OPS IN MINDANAO

The U.S. General Atomics GNAT UAV in Edwin Andrews Air Base.
Courtesy to Yahoo! News.

The U.S. presence in Mindanao, especially in Zamboanga City, is prevalent where the likes of C-17 Globemaster and drones such as the MQ-1 and the GNAT Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (see image above) have found its way to the environs of Edwin Andrews Air Base.

Their primary deployment in the Philippines got prevalent especially in the first decade of the 21st Century as part of their counter-terrorism campaign more known as Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines where it started January 2002 and ended February 2015. This operation helps decrease the overall threat of terrorism on this porous part of the country that hampers peace and development.

While the special operation for counter-terror operations have ended, they still retain a small pocket of presence in the airbase especially with the MQ-1s seen flying in the city where the locals witness it or by passengers on a passenger aircraft upon entry or exiting Zamboanga given that Zamboanga International Airport and Edwin Andrews Airbase share runways for anything involves aviation in the area, the same way that applies to both Villamor Airbase and Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Just to take note, the United States provided technical support when the Battle Marawi of 2017 broke out, where the possible use of these assets along with others help provide the upper hand to the situation which they used to provide necessary intelligence along with the ones that the AFP obtained that time and also from various nations that shared their respective information regarding the opposition forces (OPFOR) at that time which is the Islamic State.

The presence they provided even at present may show their support to the Armed Forces on ensuring peace and security on Mindanao in general especially the western part so as there may be looming threats lurking by that may pose threat to the citizenry in the region that, if not to be checked, may put harm to the innocent civilians as well as hamper the overall way of life to each and everyone living in these areas.

So, regardless of administration, the commitment of the United States to provide help to its ally the Philippines, especially in terms of providing intel about terrorist forces, will be there to stay especially that two years after the end of Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines, the United States step up its fleet of surveillance drone deployed in the country which is the premise so as to why MQ-1s are seen in Zamboanga City even at the present date.

SUMMARY

A United States Air Force C-17 Globemaster in Zamboanga City.
Photo Courtesy to The Mindanao Examiner.

It comes with fascination to see the drones flying in the city, where its technological advancements dictate the outcome of the battle just by providing the necessary images and intelligence data in order for the decision-makers in a command center to take the best action or step that seeks a higher ground or changing the tide of combat on the favor of the government.

With the United States' continuous deployment of their wares in Zamboanga's Edwin Andrews Air Base, perhaps there will be more time for the locals witnessing this tech that keeps each and every citizen in the region safe from lurking terrorists and deter them from taking any action that harms the welfare of the citizenry overall. This comes even after the end of their special operations in counter-terrorism efforts in the country years ago which determines the bond of relations between two allies, enforced by the signed 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty that also went applicable in terms of defending the country before foreign threats such as the Chinese encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.

The efforts to eliminate any threats of terrorism will continue to provide in a way that these will ensure the peace and stability for the country which paves the way for growth and development that the locals and the generation succeeding them will cherish. That, in a way that these U.S. drones continue providing the Philippine authorities the information while getting resources that will complement it.

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The Point on DND Secretary's Challenge for Army's Desire of Performance Improvement

On the recent news coming out from the Defense Secretary's mouth comes the airing concerns about what is to be the shortcomings that the organization obtains at present that is apparently concerning in a way mounting casualties among troops gets a bit more disappointing, as it may mean a waste of manpower through collaterals taken on combat.

Pitz Defense Analysis Note: This is the newest form of article writing on this website which is the short analysis format of providing views about defense matters. The approach is done in a way that points are tackled directly while making the whole writeup as short as possible, while not taking the burden of providing lengthy writeups on our Facebook page. 

IN A SPEECH

The Philippine Army is doing its effort to improve its capabilities, and
it seems not enough in the views of Sec. Lorenzana. Photo Source: YouTube

Every March 21, the Philippine Army celebrates its 122nd founding anniversary where this organization, forming one of the branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stand strong in the midst of the conflicts and wars that have taken place throughout the country's history.

And here comes the Defense Secretary, speaking right in front of the ranking officials and other personnel attended on what was been the recently-conducted senior leader's conference done in Taguig City - on the area that's been the Fort Bonifacio.

It is expected that in an anniversary, the speaker will be uttering multiple instances of motherhood statements and heart-welcoming messages as well as speeches that provided a background on the heritage or a sort of heroism that the troops have done through the years. However, that's not what has been uttered on this highlighted event of the organization.

The Secretary of Defense Mr. Delfin Lorenzana instead provide his frustrations, sentiments, and challenges to those who were in the venue, citing things that can be seen as an obstacle on the duties and responsibilities as mandated by law which is to protect the citizenry while taking the account the safety and survivability of the troops on the ground, keeping casualties as low as possible. It was uttered on the linked article highlighted above that the cases of casualties incurred in an encounter as well as the ones considered as "missing in action" are leaving a bad taste to the Defense Secretary, making him a bit disappointed with these shortcomings.

And so here comes the frustrations that hamper the organization's role which it ranges from what it seems to be the lack of quality on the training made to the troops before deployment (or for any trainee-combatant joining the army) to faulty rifles that render ground troops vulnerable or ineffective in combat. Those concerns overall are aiming to what is to be questioning the organization's capability on fighting, as far as the Defense Secretary is concerned.

Given Sec. Lorenzana's background being part of the Philippine Army, all of those shortcomings are considered challenges to the current echelon of officials that composes the organization as well as their subordinates in the field or in respective army bases where their combat readiness needs enhancement for it to be more effective in combat, whether it may be another jungle warfare or urban combat like those in Zamboanga way back 2013 or in Marawi just took place two years ago.

THE VIEWS

The Kooryong MLRS is considered by the Philippine Army.
There are no other updates about it aside from the fact that
it comes delayed. Obtained from Splendid Isolation Naver Blog.

The Philippine Army is currently implementing its Modernization Process, under the organization's flagship "Army Transformation Roadmap 2028" which exhibits their desire to be a world-class army that is seen or envisioned as a more capable organization that carries its mandate better than what it can at present.

The highlighted article we provided above contains the developments that the organization undertakes for them to achieve this ultimate goal wherein it in itself is worth commendable. One may take a token of a Modernization project that the organization currently obtains which is the M-113s that are Armed with sophisticated Remote-Controlled Weapons System obtained from Israel, not to mention numerous other projects that is currently slated on its pipeline, from Light Tanks to Artilleries capable of saturation bombardment such as the Kooryong MLRS from South Korea that the Philippine Army may consider.

While the developments can be seen here regarding the efforts done for them to improve the organization's overall capability in providing the tools needed aside from recruiting more applicants and providing benefits to the ones in active service, the frustrations that the Defense Secretary aired on a venue are a push for the key officers in this military service to work more to satisfy not only the people in the Defense Department but also to the nation as a whole as their duties and responsibilities guarantee the overall safety that a citizen needs. Not to mention that each personnel's service is also for their family in a way that they guarantee a safe, peaceful and progressive country for the next generation to cherish it.

The concerns aired aim more on the following: training, faulty firearms, and careerism. Regarding the training, it may a nicer thing to simply exhibit or train the applicants the basic things the Defense Secretary uttered or if it is already provided, enhance or emphasize it while sending the message across that such training, on the hardships and sacrifices it provides comes the lesson they needed to survive the ordeal of being in the battlefield, fighting off the enemies that pose a real threat to the state's peace and survival. 

In this way, given the number of conflicts that this country obtains throughout the years from the colonialists to the communists and Islamic separatists, provides the insight and knowledge needed to be more effective in combat on a way that the knowledge can be provided from one generation of soldiers to another, something that Bilateral exercises such as the Balikatan exercises with the United States aim to have which is to exchange combat knowledge between troops alongside camaraderie and brotherhood.

The next concern talks about faulty firearms when in combat as well as accountability in terms of ammunition provided in combat. While the statements are made by the Defense Secretary based on the complaints made by the troops on the ground, such a concern really defines so much in terms of the combat effectiveness that the troops obtain for them to gain the upper hand in the outcome of a battle. 

It can be of no surprise if the number of casualties is caused by a faulty weapon that might be susceptible to jamming or overheating that renders it useless and ineffective. 

If this is due to a manufacturing defect, then it may be rectified by recalling such weapons and provide a more effective one that is lesser on making problems when firing. If it is because of failure on maintaining a rifle, then the solution comes on the first concern regarding the training of both applicants and active personnel which is to provide a proper maintenance culture of disassembly, cleaning, and assembly of components to provide the overall reliability needed for its use. 

The ammunition meanwhile can be resolved by having it properly stored in an area less susceptible to rust as well as reprimand or "demerit" a troop that is caught selling ammunition on the black market.

Lastly, on the issue of careerism. It is worthy to take note that the Philippine Army, just like any uniform and nonuniform organization/agency under the Philippine Government are subject to have a prime principle of serving the public whose aspiration is for the best of the country as a whole. So, it may be at best for those who are in this field to change the point of view from being self-centric to a patriot who thinks that serving in an agency is a whole-of-nation approach of getting things done that goes with the satisfaction of the people that is after the service of the government. 

Perhaps one may provide an example or model that any agency is apolitical in nature, and the performance provided is professionally sound and helpful for the country's development. This point though is what a public servant or an employee working in government aspires and aims to achieve in which serving the nation is heartwarming, at least as far as we are concerned.

TO SUM IT UP

The points uttered out by the Defense Secretary is for the Philippine Army to shape up in a way a father shapes up his children to face the realities life has to bring. For the Philippine Army, the challenge provided is something that needs to work upon as this comes to the opportunity for them to prove that by the time comes, they improve more alongside the hardworking efforts that the Army Transformation Roadmap 2028 has to bring for them.

Moreover, on the lessons taken through the years as they combat various OPFOR that poses a threat to the country's state of peace, the challenge is a motivation for the key officers to shape up its incoming applicants as well as its existing military personnel that composes its organization. 

From there, basic programs that deal with survival, combat, and weapons handling/maintenance may go emphasized as it will provide the understanding that these things, the lessons provided throughout the course are essential for each and every army personnel to remember and practice so that its real combat applications will be realized in a way that it goes to their advantage. 

The challenge posed in its entirety has its message loud and clear: to have a more professional, world-class army that they themselves aspire as part of the Transformation Roadmap that is currently being attained and being part of its aim on what it may be the status of the organization nine years at present.

So, it remains to be seen to what extent the Modernization efforts, as well as their objectives, will be attained. Nevertheless, the efforts of the Philippine Army to improve its combat effectiveness are commendable of its worth, as people involved provide their effort to make this possible, although it can be seen at present on several Modernized wares that the organization currently obtains. 

Only time will provide the outcome of their efforts as well as heeding the challenge of the Defense Secretary in the aims of having a better combat composition needed in making a battle victorious, putting the Government and the people it represents on the advantage as part of aspirations on peace, growth, and development.

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The Views on Damen's Philippine Investment Interest

It was well-known news that the largest industry notable for providing jobs to the locals as well as the primary booster of the country on the shipbuilding arena filed a bankruptcy given the unfavorable circumstances that put this industry into the disadvantage in terms of economic vitality. The recent developments though are quite interesting wherein ranging from Government proposals to take-over operations to White Knight companies' intention of buying it out, it seems that it may affect the course of shipbuilding operations for the years to come, especially if that shipbuilder is also providing the construction and development of Naval Ships on its portfolio.

OVERVIEW

Damen is among the shipbuilders that have interest over Hanjin Philippines
aside from an Unknown US shipbuilder. 
Photo Sources: HHIC-Phil; Damen

In the first weeks of the year 2019, topics about the bankruptcy of Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation came to the spotlight, primarily discusses the cause of its demise and what is to come for the country's shipbuilding industry, given that they contributed much to the country's development especially on its stance within the top 5 shipbuilding countries of the world.

And here comes the proposal of the Department of National Defense together with its secretary Mr. Delfin Lorenzana that the government or its local non-government partner company shall take over the Hanjin facilities wherein this may help the country produce its own naval and coast guard ships. The stance was seconded by the Senate majority chair Miguel Zubiri wherein such investment made by Hanjin before its demise will not be gone to waste. However, the latest developments as reported by Nikkei Asian Review outlet comes as both Damen and an unknown shipbuilding company from the United States show interest over the shipyard as they are on the talks with Hanjin as well as its key creditors where negotiations are still on-going with deals and options still provided to how to keep operations going on the shipyard while guaranteeing jobs for those who remain in the company. While these shipbuilders show interest to the company, it remains to be seen to whether they can proceed to the take-over of the facilities as they are cautious in approaching this matter, given the factors that may define the feasibility on operating this shipyard wherein the market, the expenses, and the profitability being the factors on making this decision. Such plans found out to be unfavored by Damen, as it seeks other investment plans as this will be discussed across the article.

Nevertheless, there is still potential on shipbuilders such as Damen where their entry may mean a lot especially to the AFP Modernization efforts where they may provide the know-how and resources in a way that, it may decide to produce warships for the country on the basis that it may pitch on locally-made products that an end-user such as the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard to use.

KNOWING THE COMPANY

Damen is a Dutch Conglomerate specialized in both civilian and naval shipbuilding. Founded in 1927 in the Netherlands by two Damen brothers Jan and Rien, this company spread its reach across the globe with several shipyards that are under its operations where it caters a lot of customers from both civilian companies to the navies from various countries such as its home nation the Netherlands and Indonesia where they help built corvettes and Frigates with a local shipbuilding partner.

The company is notable in the Netherlands that most of its surface vessels such as their frigates, landing platform docks, and offshore patrol vessels were made through its Schelde shipyard where each in the fleet is still in active duty doings its responsibility to protect the Dutch waters and its national interest, as well as being part of North Atlantic Treaty Organization or NATO where each member nations have a responsibility to have in terms of putting up a defense. 

On the civilian side, its production also aims at freighters such as Container Ships, Ocean Tankers, Heavy-lift ships, and other Cargo-based vessels as well as passenger-oriented ones like ferries and yachts. This wide range of varieties of products they produce covers a huge market base for them to produce income in the same way that other shipyards like South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries produce for their country's naval force as well as for civilian customers.

THE PRODUCTS

A Sigma-class 9813 variant Corvette made by Damen. Obtained
from the Damen website.

Damen provides a wide range of products especially on the naval vessel category in which, shall the deal for investment proceeds, may provide much in terms of local shipbuilding capability, not to mention that this may provide the Philippine Navy its products that will help protect the country's national interest across the shores as mandated by law while helping the local labor as well as for the economy to flourish. Apparently, the offers range from corvettes down to offshore patrol vessels in which all aim for better offshore security and sea-based logistics that lead to the country's maritime security and development.

Landing Platform Docks

In the Philippine Navy Modernization efforts, Damen offers its Landing Platform Dock product that they produce in which they may compete with Sigma partner in Indonesia PT PAL in terms of the production of these large support ships.


In the production history of Damen for Landing Platform Docks, they have produced the Rotterdam-class LPDs intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy wherein these ships are still in active service as of the present date. Those vessels are a bit larger than the Tarlac-class Landing Platform Docks that are currently in service with the Philippine Navy which is derived from the Indonesian Makassar-class LPDs and its Banjarmasin-class variant which were produced in South Korea and eventually in Indonesia. 

There are chances for this vessel to find its way to the Naval Fleet Inventory, but that may go remote given that the Philippine Navy already obtains the Tarlac-class from Indonesia that may get supplanted by more hulls for commonality and logistics chain purposes. Nevertheless, it may be a welcoming addition if their offer is considered and the conditions are met.

Sigma-class vessels of corvettes and frigates

One of the notable products Damen present for various navy use across the world, The Sigma-class line of vessels with different variants are found to be ideal combat ships that a navy may have especially on the variables a certain country needs on a vessel that can deliver its performance on the mandated duties and responsibilities of an organization.

Known by Damen as the "Ship integrated geometrical modularity approach (SIGMA) concept" of naval hull design, the Sigma-class design of ships introduced a geometrical design wherein this was employed on purchased Indonesian corvettes known as the Diponegoro-class corvettes. To take note, the same country also obtains the Frigate variant of Sigma-class which is the Martadinata-class Frigates where the same design is also utilized by Damen in building hulls for the Mexican Navy. Joining Indonesia and Mexico, Morocco also obtains a Sigma-class ship on its fleet which in itself performs according to their needs. The Philippine Navy is currently materializing its procurement process for the Corvettes under Horizon 2 wherein Damen may provide these Sigma-class warships to compete with other suppliers under Competitive Bid. Shall they win, as well as having their shipyard investments planted in the Philippines may mean a win-win scenario that benefits both national security and the local economy.

Given its reputation in Indonesia, it may be possible in the future for the country to consider these products in which logistically-wise may be provided by an ASEAN neighbor. Nevertheless, this possibility remains to be seen depending on the current variables such as the investment decision in which it may influence whether this may be seen or not.

Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)

Alongside corvettes and landing platform docks, the company is also participating in a bid that involves Offshore Patrol Vessels where the Philippine Navy is opted to have six units of these surface assets on its fleet.

In last year's ADAS or Asian Defense and Security 2018 Exhibition, Damen together with its local partner Propmech presented a design in which they tweak it within of what is at that time the partial specifications needed by the Navy for an Offshore Patrol Vessel. To take note, companies like Austal and ThyssenKrupp also provided their prospective designs on this project wherein they compete with Damen on the design and effectiveness of their respective offer in the hopes that they will end up grabbing the contract and eventually deliver them the products needed that in the process, they are improving their foothold in the Philippine market where with additional after-support chain may mean an improved relationship as well as the reputation that guarantees continuous support for the end-user as well as continuous income generation for the supplier.

Having a local partner such as Propmech means a lot for Damen given that the former already participated in partnerships such as the ones with Lung Teh of Taiwan for the production of MPACs on several variants. Hence, things will be seen to what extent the partnership is to advance on a deal that means much for Damen's entry to the Philippine Naval market and the long-term deal relations that it corresponds.

A CHANGE OF OPTIONS

This is Propmech/Damen's offer for the Offshore Patrol Vessel Project
for the Philippine Navy. This was presented at last year's ADAS 2018.
Photo Obtained from MaxDefense.

In the overview of this article, it has been said that Damen at one point is interested in having the facilities of Hanjin as its own where there is what will it be the ideal investment that helps the local industry and its workforce as well as improving the country's naval capabilities for them to patrol the long coastline that this nation obtains.

It turns out that Damen isn't that interested in getting a stake over a facility that was once operated by a company now seeks help over its faltering finances over a declaration of bankruptcy. Apparently, Damen is still interested to invest in the country but not in a form of taking over Hanjin facilities as first reported. This is what Janes 360 website provided where Damen is keener on collaboration with local companies such as Propmech over the Offshore Patrol Vessel design provided in an image above. Perhaps it is a nicer decision for the company to make where they may start small on building their own facilities especially in collaboration with a local company where in the process the partnership may grow eventually while safeguarding their income in the process in which will provide the worth out of the investments made. Not also to mention that the Procurement Law especially the R.A. 9184 and its 2016 Revised IRR requires Filipino ownership or stake of at least 60% for it to be eligible to participate. 


From there, their move may see as a guarantee on their part where investments may find its worth especially if they manage to market their product and have it specified within the requirements where in that way they may penetrate the local market such as the Philippine Navy as well as other local sea-oriented companies. Hence, it might be a good thing to be seen to the extent of their endeavors to help improve not only their company's standpoint but also for the local industry and providing the tools for national security.

SUMMARY

Damen's desire to invest in the country is a welcoming one where they may help improve the ailing shipbuilding industry in the light of the bankruptcy of one of the largest shipbuilders in the country which is Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC-PHIL).

At first, the company is seen to be interested in the facilities of the bankrupt company which at the process was rejected and instead opting on partnerships with local companies where in this case may be the one with Propmech given their collaboration in presenting a design for an Offshore Patrol Vessel when it was presented in ADAS 2018 that took place last year. Nevertheless, despite their faltering interest on getting a stake over Hanjin's facilities, the optimism is still there for Damen to have where there is still the plans for them to invest to the country and its performing economy, also given with the Philippine Navy's drive of procuring naval vessels for its ever-growing fleet as part of Modernization effort. To give information on the projects as discussed throughout this article, Damen is interested to participate in the Navy's Corvette, Landing Platform Dock, and Offshore Patrol Vessel projects as well as patrol vessels that are for the Philippine Coast Guard given that this civilian-oriented uniform organization is also Modernizing its own fleet where it is already taking place in the form of the French-made Boracay-class crafts, Japanese-made Parola-class Multirole Response Vessels or MRRVs as well as other projects that are in their pipeline.

Hence, their interest may go with the hopes that they have managed to invest in the local market in a way that their products are within the specifications needed by an agency to carry out their mandate. From there, shall they succeed in tapping the local market for their products which is primarily on both naval and civilian shipbuilding, it will be a win-win scenario where Damen will get its share of cash inflows on their sales while keeping the industry kicking that provides jobs to the people as well as providing assets needed to protect the country's national interest as well as its citizen's desire to live peacefully and free.

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