The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) installed another two sovereign markers on Wednesday, Feb. 17, in the islands of Cagayan to assert the country’s sovereignty in the northern maritime territory.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) NOLCOM said the two newly installed sovereign markers in Mabaag and Barit Islands in Aparri, Cagayan are in addition to the 11 sovereign markers installed last year in the uninhabited islands located north of Cagayan province.
The NOLCOM said the markers are placed in prominent areas of the two islands, making them clearly visible to vessels transiting the waterways in the country's northern maritime territory.
Commodore Caesar Bernard Valencia, commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon said the islands and their surrounding territorial waters are “integral part of the country's territory.”
“These markers will help us ensure that our sovereignty will be recognized in these areas,” Valencia said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of Northern Luzon Command and concurrently the Commander of Area Task Force North, underscored that the establishment of the sovereign markers is “proactive way of asserting our sovereignty in the northern maritime territories.”
“Rest assured that we will remain proactive and vigilant in ensuring the security of our people, as we safeguard our sovereignty and preserve the integrity of our national territory in this part of our country," Burgos added.