DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr has ordered the development of more military facilities and an increase in military presence in Batanes to enhance the country’s territorial defense capabilities.
Teodoro issued the instructions on Tuesday, during visits at military facilities in Batanes Islands, including a naval detachment in Mavulis Island, the country’s northernmost island.
Batanes is near Taiwan. The Bashi Channel between Batanes and Taiwan is considered a choke point for vessels moving between the western Pacific and the contested South China Sea.
Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam are claiming parts of the South China Sea. China is claiming almost the entire sea. The Chinese military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the channel, according to Taiwan’s defense ministry.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, who was among those who accompanied Teodoro during the visit, acknowledged the soldiers assigned at Mavulis Island.
“What you’re doing here in Mavulis is essential to our territorial defense, in safeguarding our sovereignty, and in the performance of our mission as protector of the people and the state. I am very thankful to all of you,” he said.
Teodoro visited the Naval Detachment Mavulis and the construction of the Naval Forward Operating Base Mahatao in Batan Island.
Among other officials who accompanied Teodoro were Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr, Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, and Naval Force Northern Luzon (NFNL) commander Commodore Francisco Tagamolilia Jr.
“The visit highlights the importance of fortifying our territorial defense capabilities to ensure the overall safety and integrity of our nation,” the NFNL said in a statement.
It said Teodoro underscored the defense department’s commitment “to enhance territorial defense and security.”
“In his remarks, Secretary Teodoro (said that) starting 2024, the operational tempo for the AFP will be higher,” the NFNL said.
It said Teodoro called for the “development of more structures noting that Batanes is the spearhead of the Philippines as far as the northern baseline is concerned.”
The NFNL said Teodoro also called for strengthened interagency cooperation, especially with local government units, “to protect stakeholders such as fisherfolks and other maritime related agencies in order for them to feel safer resulting to better economics.”
‘PIVOTAL MOMENT’
The NFNL said Teodoro’s visit “signifies a pivotal moment in our nation’s commitment to territorial defense and national security.”
“The importance of securing borders and establishing a robust presence in strategic areas was also highlighted through a marker unveiling and insightful briefing conducted at Naval Detachment Mavulis, symbolizing the unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring the safety of the people,” the NFNL added.
Nolcom, in a separate statement, said Teodoro also visited the Naval Detachment Basco, and Itbayat airport, all in Batanes also.
“This proactive initiative aims to ensure the optimal functionality and readiness of these strategic sites crucial to the nation’s defense,” Nolcom said.
Nolcom said Teodoro and his party also visited the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority at Port Irene in Sta Ana, Cagayan province, “emphasizing the government’s holistic approach to securing both maritime and economic interests.”
Buca said, “The inspection reinforces our commitment to maintaining defense facilities, ensuring our forces are prepared for any eventuality, and securing the sovereignty of our nation.”
It said Nolcom officials have “kept the readiness of the forces deployed in this part of the region in top shape, ensuring the security of the northernmost part of the country.”
In November, the militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols off Basilan. Earlier, the US military was reported to be in talks to develop a civilian port in Batanes, a move that would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan.
The Philippines in 2023 almost doubled the number of its military bases that US forces can access, including three facing Taiwan. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has said those moves were “stoking the fire” of regional tensions.
Batanes served as one of the training sites during last year’s joint military exercises, known as Balikatan, which involved more than 17,000 Filipino and American troops, making it the biggest ever edition of the annual military drills. – With Reuters
