AFP to consolidate naval assets under West PH Sea command

CAVITE CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Navy is combining the Palawan-based Naval Forces West (Navforwest) and La Union-based Naval Forces Northern Luzon (Navfornol) to strengthen the Western Command (Wescom), the unified military unit responsible for the country’s external defense.

“Maraming rason (There are various reasons) – ease of supervision and commonality of equipment,” Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said this week at the anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy, in explaining the consolidation effort.

This movement follows the transfer of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal located off Zambales province  from the responsibility of Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) to the operational area of Wescom. It was done to put all external defense efforts under one commander.

The shoal located within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone is now practically occupied by the Chinese following the tense standoff in 2012. This incident prompted the Philippines to file its case against China.

The Navfornol is the closest naval unit to Scarborough Shoal but remains under Nolcom. Its transfer to Wescom consolidates the navy’s territorial defense assets under one single command, too.

“We will harmonize these efforts,” Millan added. 

The consolidation of the two naval commands will happen “in a year or two,” said Millan.

The reorganization takes place as the Navy expects the delivery of more assets for territorial defense. – Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com