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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Teodoro wants stronger AFP presence in northern frontier

Teodoro wants stronger AFP presence in northern frontier

Published Feb 7, 2024 07:30 am
Gilberto Teodoro Jr.jpg
Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (below, third from right) visits the northern frontier's maritime defense outpost in Mavulis Island in Itbayat, Batanes on Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to fortify the military's presence in the northern frontier's maritime defense outposts to ensure the overall safety and territorial integrity of the country.

Teodoro spearheaded a thorough survey and inspection of critical facilities across Batanes with AFP Chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

These include the naval detachments in Basco and Mavulis Island in Itbayat, the Itbayat Airport, and the under-construction Naval Forward Operating Base Mahatao in Batan Island. He also visited Port Irene in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

These facilities in the northernmost part of the country are either facing or close to Taiwan, a self-governing island that is being claimed by China.

In his remarks, Teodoro said that the operational tempo for the AFP this year will be "higher" as he called for the development of more structures in the northern region, noting that Batanes is the "spearhead of the Philippines as far as the northern baseline is concerned".

Mavulis Island is considered as the first line of defense in the northernmost part of the country. It is located at approximately 140 kilometers from Taiwan's southern tip.

The Luzon strait which includes the Balintang and Bashi Channels within the Northern Luzon Command's (NOLCOM) joint operational area is an important factor in maneuvering forces for strategic advantage, and a chokepoint for naval and air traffic.

The defense chief also urged the AFP to establish a stronger coordination with other agencies of the government and the local government units to protect the fisherfolk and the communities in Batanes.

Meanwhile, Brawner expressed his appreciation and admiration to the soldiers guarding the northern frontier for their "dedication to their duties and selflessness in taking on the remote assignment."

"What you’re doing here in Mavulis is essential to our territorial defense, in safeguarding our sovereignty, and in the performance of our mission as protector of the people and the state. I am very thankful to all of you," he said.

Teodoro and Brawner were joined by other ranking military officials including Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command; Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca, NOLCOM commander; Commo. Francisco Tagamolila Jr., commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon; and Brig. Gen. Vicente Mark Anthony Blanco III, commander of 4th Marine Brigade.

This has been the second time for this year that ranking military officials have inspected the military outposts in the northernmost part of the country.

Last month, military officials led by NOLCOM chief Buca also visited Mavulis Island along with Balikatan Exercise planning officers, hinting at the possible use of some training sites in the area in the next large-scale military war games between the Philippines and United States in April.

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines Batanes Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. AFP PH-Taiwan DND General Romeo Brawner Jr. Mavulis Island PH-China Department of National Defense Balikatan Exercises
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