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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Watching from afar: Why PCG built a monitoring station in Batanes

Watching from afar: Why PCG built a monitoring station in Batanes

Published May 25, 2024 06:48 am
pcg batanes.jpg
The Coast Guard Monitoring Station - Itbayat in Batanes is unveiled by the Philippine Coast Guard on May 23, 2024. (Photo by PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recently inaugurated a newly constructed monitoring station in Itbayat, Batanes which is believed to be a key infrastructure in strengthening the maritime domain awareness capabilities of the country amid recent security concerns surrounding a neighboring country, Taiwan.

The monitoring station was built in Barangay San Rafael and unveiled last Thursday, May 23.

“The purpose of this facility is to enhance the PCG's monitoring operations in order to better safeguard the Philippine territories particularly in the northern region,” the PCG said on Friday, May 24.

The inauguration coincided with the conduct of military exercises by China in the waters surrounding Taiwan. China considers the self-ruled Taiwan as a renegade province, and is keen on “reuniting” it to the mainland.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo M. Año commended the PCG leadership headed by Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG commandant, for building crucial infrastructure in view of emerging geopolitical tension in the region.

He said the establishment of the new monitoring station was a “strategic move” to enhance maritime domain awareness and strengthen security measures along the Luzon Strait, a vital international waterway.

Batanes, the northernmost province of the country, is located at the southern part of Taiwan. Mavulis Island in Batanes is 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.

Año underscored the importance of this region for international maritime trade, digital communications, and as a potential flashpoint for regional and international conflicts.

"In 2022, the area around Itbayat witnessed a military build-up as China responded to political developments between Taiwan and the United States. China's corresponding naval response was observed in the Luzon Strait," Año noted, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and security in the region.

Año further pointed out the frequent presence of China-flagged research or survey vessels in the Luzon Strait, which often display erratic navigational patterns as they transit to and from the Philippine Rise.

"Considering this, securing peace, stability, and freedom of navigation along the Luzon Strait is crucial for ensuring Philippine national security and economic prosperity," Año added.

The new Coast Guard station will be able to gather essential maritime data and intelligence which will help the PCG in responding effectively to threats such as illicit trade, trafficking, piracy, and foreign intrusions.

The NSA sees the facility as a critical information hub that is critical in enhancing the PCG's patrolling capabilities and disaster response efforts in an area frequently affected by natural disasters.

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