CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – Sen. Francis N. Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, and Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca, Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command chief, inaugurated a naval detachment in Mavulis Island in Batanes on Wednesday, October 18.
THE Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command opens a naval detachment in Mavulis Island, the northernmost island in the Philippines, on Wednesday, October 18. (Nolcom FB)
The event marked a significant milestone in enhancing the strategic security and defense capabilities of the Philippines in Northern Luzon.
The facility will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation's maritime borders and interests.
Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco welcomed Tolentino, Buca, Vice Admiral Toribio D. Adaci Jr., Flag-Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy, and Commodore Francis Tagamolila, commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon to the island.
“The inauguration of the naval detachment in Mavulis Island, Batanes, 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,” Buca said.
THE Philippine flag flies in Mavulis Island in Batanes on Wednesday, October 18. (Nolcom FB)
Buca noted that the country's maritime borders are an integral part of the nation’s sovereignty and the detachment stands as a shield guarding the waters and ensuring the safety of the Filipino people.
“It will serve as a cornerstone in our defense infrastructure, enabling us to respond swiftly to any threats to our maritime interests,” he added.
Tolentino said the naval detachment manifests the collaborative efforts of the government, leaders, and officials, both civilian and military, dedicated to upholding the sovereignty and security of the Philippines.
Mavulis Island is the northernmost island of the Philippines and is located more than 280 kilometers off the northern coast of mainland Luzon and less than 150 kilometers from the southern tip of Taiwan.
The island, which hosts the northernmost flagpole in the country, is closer to China than Manila, at 733 kilometers away.