Navy deploys fresh troops to PH island nearest to Taiwan
A water desalination system was recently launched in Mavulis island, the farthest island in Itbayat, Batanes.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy recently deployed a fresh batch of troops and supplies in Mavulis, the country’s northernmost island facing Taiwan, and other parts of Batanes.
“PS-39 has recently completed a weeklong mission in the country’s northern maritime frontier that consisted of routine naval patrols to ensure maritime security in the northern borders,” according to the Facebook page of the BRP Conrado Yap, a Pohang-class corvette donated by the South Korean government.
The warship transported “troops, civilians, and other components of the government” to and from the scattered islands of Batanes such as Itbayat, Basco, and Mavulis, during the mission.
Batanes is an archipelagic province and the country’s northernmost province. Mavulis, located less than 150 kilometers from Taiwan’s southern tip, is manned by a marine unit guarding a small shelter.
“These successful operations manifested the PS-39’s commitment to the fulfillment of the Philippine Navy mission as it strives to be responsive to our maritime nation’s defense and development,” the ship’s post said.
Also recently, the Navy inaugurated new administrative and research buildings at Parola and Likas islands, two of the nine outposts occupied by the Philippines in the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea. Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. witnessed the ribbon cutting and blessing of the facilities last March 19, the Navy said last week.
He also visited Pag-asa Island, the largest outpost and the only one with a civilian population.
