Manila, Nov. 13 -- The majority of the ships assigned to the Naval Defense Command (NDC) will be deployed to secure the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from Nov. 16 to 18, according to the Philippine Navy (PN).

"The majority of the vessels under the NDC will be deployed to provide maritime security and safeguard Manila Bay, its maritime approaches, and other strategically significant maritime areas during the ASEAN Summit," Navy spokesperson Captain Marissa Martinez said in a message to reporters on Friday.

The NDC, which is based in Sangley Point, Cavite City, is formerly known as the Fleet Marine Ready Force.

Martinez declined to elaborate but said two of the Navy's brand-new offshore patrol vessels - - the 2,400 ton BRP Rajah Sulay...