PN to conduct 'capability demonstration' in Palawan's Ulugan Bay

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26): PN to conduct 'capability demonstration' in Palawan's Ulugan Bay

The Philippine Navy is conducting a "capability demonstration" at Ulugan Bay in Palawan as part of the celebration of its 116th founding anniversary on Tuesday.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesperson, said that this event will highlight to President Benigno S. Aquino III, who is the PN's guest of honor, "the connectivity of Headquarters Philippine Navy in Manila with its operating units in the field."

"This is part of the Navy's effort to attain sustainability in the conduct of maritime operations of its Naval Forces in support of the Unified Commands," he added.

The same demonstration will also be an opportunity to bring to the attention of the Chief Executive what other essential capabilities the PN needs, Arevalo also said.

He refused to disclose what exactly will take place during the "capability demonstration."

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, PN public affairs office chief, said Tuesday's event is purely for the eyes of the Commander-in-Chief.

"Can't divulge so much data (as the capability demonstration) is only for the President," he said in a text message to the Philippines News Agency.

PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan earlier stressed that the decision to improve the naval installation in Ulugan Bay, Palawan and hold the PN's 116th anniversary there this coming May 27 has nothing to do with the country's ongoing territorial dispute with China.

"What we are doing there is (part) of our obligation to develop our facilities there (to enable the PN) to accomplish its mission and improve the morale of our men," he said.

Ulugan Bay is estimated to be around 100 nautical miles from the disputed Spratly Islands.

Millan said that development is needed as the Navy facility there is underdeveloped.

The PN chief explained that the decision to celebrate the Navy's 116th anniversary there is done to emphasize the need for improvements in the area.

"It is our commitment really to sustain our units inthe field so that they can carry out their mandated roles," Millan pointed out.

The PN chief also stressed that developing Ulugan Bay will not be a waste as it can bring a lot of strategic benefits to the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=647178