The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday said only the agency and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Department of National Defense (DND) can issue statements on the acquisition of equipment under the ongoing modernization program of the military.

“The PN (The Philippine Navy) is developing a sustainable fleet build-up to more effectively perform its mandate. Beyond that, the DND cannot provide additional information,” DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

This came in response to reports that the Navy would acquire a diesel-electric submarine as part of its efforts to protect the country’s territory and sovereignty.

These reports also said the acquisition is under the “Rehorizon 3”, a revised 10-year military modernization plan. (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/armedforcesofthephilippines