Show of force: Aquino flying to Palawan Tuesday

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Aquino is flying to Palawan province Tuesday to watch a military show of force amid a worsening territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.

The “capability demonstration” will be held by the Naval Forces West (Navforwest), described as the Philippine Navy’s “primary operational command securing the West Philippine Sea,” part of the South China within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone.

The demonstration is part of the Navy’s 116th anniversary celebration, which will be held by the naval operating forces for the first time.

It is meant to “showcase” the Navy’s plan to develop “its forward operating base in Palawan facing the West Philippine Sea,” according to a Malacañang brief.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Navforwest was “at the forefront of territorial defense operations in the Kalayaan Island Group,” part of the Philippines’ territory in the Spratly archipelago.

“In strengthening the defense mechanisms of our country, the administration makes progressive investments for the long term, leaning forward into the future as we pursue the path to greater national and regional stability,” Lacierda said in a statement.

Defense capabilities

Lacierda said the Navforwest command center featured “secure communications equipment and a satellite-based vessel-tracking system,” bolstering the country’s “defense capabilities” and ensuring “stability in the area.”

Besides the demonstration, the President will also be shown the “conceptual master plan” of Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (NSCC), named after the first naval officer to bolt the Marcos administration and join the Edsa People Revolution in 1986.

Lacierda said the NSCC was set for “redevelopment, which includes the rehabilitation of the pier, living quarters and other support facilities,” following the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the United States.

The deal was closed in time for US President Barack Obama’s April 28 visit to Manila, the last leg of a four-nation Asian swing intended to reaffirm Washington’s support for its allies amid China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

Territorial dispute

The Philippines’ territorial dispute with China is reflected in the Navy’s anniversary theme: “Protecting Our Territory, Safeguarding Our Future.”

Aquino will take the opportunity to honor “the sacrifice of our Marines, who have bravely devoted themselves to protecting our territorial and maritime borders,” Lacierda said.

“We recognize their hard work and dedication, and, in them, find renewed inspiration to maintain our commitment to protect our national sovereignty,” Lacierda added.

Marines stationed at the grounded BRP Sierra Madre—a rusting vessel serving as a military outpost on Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal)—were also honored in the President’s Day of Valor speech last month.

Navforwest is the Navy unit that is tasked to guard and defend the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea, including the Spratly archipelago which is claimed in whole or in part by China, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

‘Always ready’

“We’re always ready to support our people and safeguard our maritime domain and territory within the West Philippine Sea and the other areas within Palawan,” said Lt. (s.g.) Jonjoe Saquiman, Navforwest spokesman.

Navforwest, headed by Commodore Manuel Natalio Abinuman, deploys personnel to guard the nine islands within the Kalayaan Island Group that includes Ayungin Shoal.

Tuesday’s ceremonies will include recognition of the Navy and Marine officers who took part in the March 29 resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, whose small civilian government vessel outsmarted a China Coast Guard ship that tried to block its way to the BRP Sierra Madre.

Saquiman said the Navforwest would like the President to see the developments in the western part of Palawan, including its headquarters that faces west and is the mainland’s nearest access to the Kalayaan islands.