A NEW Navy facility has been put up at Mavulis Island in Batanes, the country’s northernmost island.
The Naval Detachment Mavulis, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, is expected “to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and interests,” according to the Northern Luzon Command.
The military stationed a contingent of Marines at the island a few years ago. They stayed at a temporary facility, pending the construction of a permanent detachment.
The government has also put up a fishermen’s shelter in Mavulis to aid Filipino fishermen during inclement weather.
Mavulis Island is some 280 km off the northern coast of Luzon mainland and less than 150 km from the southern tip of Taiwan.
The inauguration was graced by Sen. Francis Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones. Also in the event were Nolcom commander Maj. Gen. Fernyl Buca, Navy chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr, Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) commander Commodore Francis Tagamolila, and Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco also graced the event.
A Nolcom statement said the facility was constructed by a private contractor using a P37-million funding from Tolentino’s office. The construction began in May 2021, it added.
Nolcom also said the setting up of the facility is a “significant milestone in enhancing the strategic security and defense capabilities of the Philippines in the Northern Luzon region.”
Buca said the establishment of the facility in Mavulis Island “serves as a testament to the commitment of Nolcom and of the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect and serve the nation’s interests.”
“Our country’s maritime borders are an integral part of our sovereignty, and that this detachment stands as a shield guarding our waters and ensuring the safety of our people,” he also said.
The NFNL said the detachment was established as part of the “comprehensive approach of the Philippine Navy to strengthen maritime security in the area.”
