Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
THE Philippine Navy has deployed another warship at the West Philippine Sea in Palawan province to fortify its presence and guard the nine Philippine-occupied features in the region, amid Chinese aggression.
BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), a Tarlac -class landing platform will augment BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), a guided missile frigate, on patrol mission.
“Western Command has added another floating asset to its command and control operation with the recent deployment of BRP Davao del Sur, one of the biggest Philippine Navy vessels in its joint area operation,” the Western Command said.
The three warships stationed in Palawan are conducting separate missions in the WPS, which include interdiction of foreign ships conducting illegal activities such as collecting corals and other marine resources.
The deployment comes after AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr., underscored the need to fortify defenses to protect Philippine territory.
Brawner reported that while there are no new Chinese reclamation activities in the region, he vowed to launch more patrols to include air reconnaissance to prevent China’s “creeping invasions” on Philippine territory within its exclusive economic zone (EZZ).
Relative to the AFP’s safeguarding of Philippine sovereignty, Brawner plans to procure additional naval ships, multi-role fighters, and drones.
“Well that’s our plan, to add more platforms such as multi-role fighters, aircrafts, drones and ships, and more importantly develop the Philippine-occupied islands or features in our EEZ,” Brawner said.
The nine islands, Pagasa, Parola, Panata, Likas, Kota, Patag, Law, Ayungin Shoal and Rizal Reef, are manned by soldiers while structures are being improved to include installation of priority amenities such as digital networks and other communication tools. — Francisco Tuyay
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