CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – The newly formed Area Task Force-North held a virtual meeting here on August 24 to discuss an intensified approach towards fortifying maritime security within Northern Luzon.

Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca, Northern Luzon Command and ATF-North chief, said that he organized the collaborative assembly to amplify coordination efforts and heighten vigilance in safeguarding the extensive maritime domain across Northern Luzon.

Officials from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police regional maritime units, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources offices in Regions 1, 2, and 3, the Army 5th Infantry Division, Army 7th Infantry Division, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, and the Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon attended the meeting.

Buca emphasized the critical role of ATF-North in protecting a vast maritime expanse spanning 769,606 square kilometers encompassing strategic features such as Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, Luzon Strait, and the Philippine Rise or Benham Rise.

"Robust information and intelligence sharing among agencies are needed to build maritime situational awareness," said Buca.

Timely and accurate data collection was highlighted as a foundational step to generate comprehensive operational insights that facilitate informed decision-making for governance, development, and security initiatives.

Buca underscored the necessity for sustained government presence and maritime patrols in Northern Luzon.

He urged member-agencies to capitalize on the Maritime Domain Awareness synchronization matrix and strive for continuous improvement of their capabilities while collaborating to bridge operational gaps.

Addressing intrusions and illegal activities, he stressed the adherence to rules of engagement and operational procedures and also emphasized the need for meticulous documentation to support diplomatic efforts and strategic communication.

"Our goal is to gather, analyze, and process available information, presenting options aligned with the strategic direction set by the National Security Adviser and Secretary of National Defense. This collective effort will ensure a stronger, more secure Northern Luzon maritime domain," he said.

The Nolcom is the ATF-North’s lead agency responsible for safeguarding the sovereign rights and territorial integrity of the country’s northern maritime domain, which encompasses the vast, resource-rich maritime areas of Bajo de Masinloc, the Philippine Rise, and the Luzon Strait.