Govt to spend P500 million to rehabilitate naval station near Spratlys as part of EDCA, says Palace

From InterAksyon (May 26): Govt to spend P500 million to rehabilitate naval station near Spratlys as part of EDCA, says Palace

Malacañang said the Naval Station Carlito Cunanan in Palawan near the disputed Spratly Islands will be rehabilitated in line with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

The government has allocated P500 million for the development of the NSCC, formerly known as the Ulugan Detachment.

Of the amount, P313 million will be spent to improve the pier, harbor, and support facilities at Oyster Bay.

The naval station will serve as the venue for the Philippine Navy's 116th anniversary on Tuesday, which will be attended by President Benigno Aquino III.

"As part of the ceremony on Tuesday, the President will witness the capability demonstration of the Naval Forces West (NFW) Command Center and the conceptual master plan of Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (NSCC) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan," presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a briefing aired over state-run Radyo ng Bayan on Monday.

The NFW is the Navy’s primary operational command securing the West Philippine Sea, and has been at the forefront of territorial defense operations in the Spratly Islands, also known as the Kalayaan Island Group.

"Its upgraded command center, equipped with secure communications equipment and a satellite-based vessel tracking system, will further bolster our defense capabilities and ensure stability in the area," Lacierda said.

"On the other hand, Naval Station Carlito Cunanan has been slated for redevelopment, which includes the rehabilitation of the pier, living quarters, and other support facilities. These efforts are in line with the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, through which we hope to further improve our defense capacities," he added.

EDCA provides American troops greater access to Philippine bases.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/87633/govt-to-spend-p500-million-to-rehabilitate-naval-station-near-spratlys-as-part-of-edca-says-palace