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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM orders tight security for Malampaya East 1 following major gas discovery

PBBM orders tight security for Malampaya East 1 following major gas discovery

Published Jan 22, 2026 01:03 pm
Photo shows the flaring operation off the coast of Palawan following the discovery of a new natural gas field at Malampaya East-1. (Prime Energy)
Photo shows the flaring operation off the coast of Palawan following the discovery of a new natural gas field at Malampaya East-1. (Prime Energy)
President Marcos has ordered heightened security measures at Malampaya East 1 (MAE-1), directing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to ensure the continuous protection of the newly discovered gas reservoir, seen as vital to the country’s energy security.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 22, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President instructed the PCG to strictly guard the Malampaya area to safeguard the nation’s energy resources.
She added that the President’s order reflects the administration’s focus on protecting critical energy infrastructure, especially as Malampaya East 1 is expected to contribute to power supply stability and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
“Layunin ng Pangulo na masiguro ang walang-patid na pagbabantay at pagprotekta sa Malampaya East 1 sa gitna ng importansiya nito sa seguridad ng enerhiya at pambansang interes (The President’s aim is to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and protection of Malampaya East 1, given its importance to energy security and the national interest),” she said.
In response to the directive, the PCG said it has begun the planned and careful deployment of major assets to secure Malampaya East.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said a 97-meter offshore patrol vessel has been positioned near Malampaya East 1, supported by two 44-meter patrol vessels and Coast Guard aerial assets.
The PCG said the deployment aims to ensure uninterrupted monitoring and protection of MAE-1, given its strategic importance to national energy security and overall national interest.
The security directive follows President Marcos’ announcement earlier this week of a significant natural gas discovery at Malampaya East 1, located about five kilometers east of the existing Malampaya gas field.
The President said initial estimates place MAE-1’s gas-in-place at around 98 billion cubic feet, enough to help supply electricity to millions of households and strengthen the country’s domestic gas supply for years.
Initial testing showed the well flowing at around 60 million cubic feet per day, indicating high productivity comparable to the original Malampaya wells, according to the President.
The Palace has said the discovery forms part of the Malampaya Phase 4 drilling campaign, led by the Service Contract 38 Consortium headed by Prime Energy, in partnership with UC-38, PNOC Exploration Corporation, and Prime Oil and Gas Inc.

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President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Malampaya Claire Castro
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