PH Navy open to proposal for creation of ‘WPS Command’

The Philippine Navy (PN) welcomed Friday, Feb. 14, a senator’s proposal to create a separate command dedicated to the defense of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for WPS, said the proposed establishment of the West Philippine Sea Command “is well taken.”

“It is being considered right now how that will fit in with the AFP,” he said during a press conference in Manila.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino proposed to create the West Philippine Sea Command during a media briefing last Wednesday. 

He said it would “improve” the country’s response capabilities amid China’s activities in the WPS “because a dedicated command would provide focus, leadership, resources, and operational capabilities to address security challenges.”

However, Trinidad noted that the AFP already has different unified commands that are tasked to secure not only the WPS but also other Philippine-claimed features that are being disputed by China.

The Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) is in charge of the military operations in the WPS including the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), while the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) oversees Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) and the Philippine Rise.

“As we see it right now, the armed forces has different unified commands which address not only internal but also external defense operations,” Trinidad said.

“However, that recommendation will be duly noted, and we will be studying that,” he added.