Philippine Navy revives the "PT Boat" concept to harass Chinese intruders.

Note.  I'm having a bit of difficult finding pics of the Philippine Multi-Purpose Attack Craft.  I've seen photos of the CB-90 & others showing an indigenous design.  Which one is correct is beyond me.

via Balita.ph

MANILA, Feb. 7 — The Philippine Navy (PN) is planning to transform its MPAC (multi-purpose attack craft) squadron into a force capable of harassing foreign ships that may intrude in the country's territorial waters.
The Navy presently operates six MPACs, three of which were obtained from Taiwan and the other three from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation which is based in Subic Bay, Zambales.
Navy officials said the MPACs are suited for these mission as they could go in, attack or harass the offending vessel and evade quickly.
To create this capability, more heavier weapons and longer range sensors and surveillance will be installed on these 45-knot small craft.
PN MPACs are 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and has a draft of one meter and a top speed of 45 knots.
Each one costs around P90 million. It has a range 300 nautical miles. The hull is made of high-quality aluminum and is crewed by one officer and four enlisted personnel.
It is capable of carrying 16 fully-equipped troopers or two tons of cargo.
The MPAC is also capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation and is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns. (PNA)

I've read on other websites that China isn't a threat to the region.  That the region is peaceful and that there have been no aggressive moves by China on its neighbors and that the biggest dangers to peace in the region come from Japan and the United States.

We all know better.

What I find interesting and fascinating is that one of the poorest nations in the region is taking it upon itself to fashion a defense against the Rising Dragon.

Oh and before you downplay the ability of small, swift boats with impressive firepower to  effectively engage, harass and even sink larger ships I remind you of our own experience in World War 2 with our PT Boats.  They were a small but potent cog in the war wheel and helped win the war.

If war comes the Philippine people will do the first thing that must be done when facing an attacker.

Forcefully resist.  I hope we stand with them.