Aquino to inspect PH Navy capabilities in West PH Sea

PALAWAN, Philippines – As regional tension over maritime disputes escalate, the Philippine Navy chose a naval station facing the volatile West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as the venue for the culmination of its month-long celebration of its 116th anniversary.

President Benigno Aquino III will attend the event on Tuesday, May 27. 

“The President is expected to inspect the improvements being made in that naval station like the pier, living quarters, and other support infrastructures. He will inaugurate mission essential facilities for command and control of Naval Forces West being the unit that supervises the naval operations at the West Philippine Seas,” said Philippine Navy commander Colonel Edgar Arevalo.

The navy’s anniversary celebrations  are often held in Manila or Cavite. 

The navy will also hold a capability demonstration at the new Naval Forces West Headquarters at Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (NSCC) located in Ulugan Bay.

It was abuzz with activities a day before the President flies in. Rappler saw the Philippine Navy’s warships, brand new naval choppers, and speedboats inside the bay. Soldiers arrived in several military trucks. The Marines have set up check points, a surprise for many tourists who frequent the province.

Military officers refused to disclose details of the capability demonstration for fear that it will “jeopardize naval operations.” It’s meant “to bring to the attention of the President what other mission essential capabilities the Naval Forces need,” said Philippine Navy commander Colonel Edgard Arevalo.

Arevalo said the choice of the venue exemplifies the “Frontline First” policy of new Navy Chief Vice Admiral Jesus Milan. 

The naval station in Ulugan Bay is closest to the disputed Kalayaan Group of Islands in the West Philippine Sea. Also located there is Oyster Bay, the naval station which may be offered to the US troops. 

The NSCC in Barangay Macarascas, used to be called Ulugan Detachment, is relatively underdeveloped and underutilized. The facilities such as the pier, living quarters, and other support facilities have to be rehabilitated. It was selected as the new home of Naval Forces West on account of its strategic location as compared to the former headquarters in Naval Station Apolinario Jalandoon in Barangay San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City. 

“The capability demo will show to the President the connectivity of the Headquarters Philippine Navy in Manila with its operating units in the field,” Arevalo said. 

Aside from the President, Cabinet officials and high-ranking military officers will be attending Tuesday’s ceremony.

Manila has been locked in a maritime row with Beijing. The Philippine government filed a case against China before an arbitral tribunal; China fought back with military activities in the disputed areas. – Rappler.com