HOPES are high the newly transitioned Western Naval Command, from the old Naval Forces West, would be able to address transforming security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
Under the changeover, the Western Naval Command is tasked with intensifying maritime security operations and asserting a proactive defense posture across the country’s western maritime frontier, included in the archipelago’s 1,850-km stretch from Mavulis island up north to Tawi-Tawi down south.
The West Philippine Sea is on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, specifically within the Philippines’ 200-mile exclusive economic zone, in the area of the South China Sea that lies west of the Philippines, extending from the Batanes Islands in the north to the western coast of Palawan in the south.
This includes the Luzon Sea and the waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc, also known as the Scarborough Shoal.
This week, the Philippine Navy launched its new command that deals with developing security problems in the West Philippine Sea, underlining what President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. repeatedly said in recent months this country of 117 million people would never retreat in defense of its 2.26 million square kilometers of land and sea territory.
The 69-year-old President has time after time said Filipinos should solely benefit from the country’s marine resources.
We note that recently two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy ships and a China Coast Guard vessel carried out aggressive and unsafe maneuvers against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc.
Philippine Navy’s BRP Emilio Jacinto was conducting routine and maritime patrol operations in support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Philippine Coast Guard on May 5 when China’s Jiangkai II-class frigates with bow numbers 554 and 573 and CCG vessel 5403 pushed belligerent and risky maneuvers.
We have faith in what the Philippine Navy said the strategic realignment positions with its vision “to maintain a credible defense force capable of responding to emerging security challenges.”
New command chief Commodore Vincent Sibala underscored the unity and resolve required for this new chapter.
“As we embark on this new chapter, let us lead with unwavering courage and steadfast conviction-standing united as one force, ready to confront every challenge with resilience and determination,” new command chief Commodore Vincent Sibala said.
“Together, we embody the strength of our solidarity and the unbreakable commitment to defend what is rightfully ours and secure a prosperous future for our nation.”
