Manila, Sept. 17 -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines needs to have "an expeditionary navy" capable of protecting Filipino merchant ships and its crews while sailing in the high seas.

"We need an expeditionary navy to be able to protect Filipino seafarers and Filipino vessels in the high seas alongside like-minded countries," he said during the 3rd Balangay Forum held in Makati City as part of the country's celebration of this year's Maritime Archipelagic Awareness Nation Month (MANAMo).

An expeditionary navy is defined as a naval force capable of operating well out from its home shores and sustain operations in remote areas.

The defense chief said this capability is ne...