Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. shake hands during the signing of a memorandum of agreement. Photo from Palawan Public Information Office
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) plans to put up a base in Balabac, geographically located at the farthermost tip of Palawan, which is perceived to be a strategic location in securing the country’s southern borders and the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
“We have just signed a memorandum of agreement or a MOA with Palawan Provincial Office for the use of 300-hectare area in Balabac Island at the southern tip of Palawan,” Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr. said at the PAF’s 71st anniversary on Tuesday.
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The public information office of the Palawan provincial government disclosed that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed last week between Kintanar and Palawan Gov. Jose Alvarez.
Under the MOA, the area covers Brgy. Catagupan in Balabac town.
“Indeed this is a big milestone for us, as we impart on securing the future of the West Philippine Sea including our southern borders,” Alvarez was quoted as saying.
“The provincial government is always ready to do whatever its part, para po mapangalagaan natin ang [so we can take care the] unsinkable battle ship, which is Palawan. Rest assured that we have a government here that is ready anytime for the cooperation,” the governor said.
Sources familiar with the area said that once the air base is operational, it would be the closest jump off point to the country’s detachments in the Spratly chain of islands.
Kintanar announced in the same event that they have also signed a MOA with Cagayan Economic Zone Authority for a forward operating base in Lal-lo, Cagayan. /jpv