President Aquino to inspect upgraded naval station facing the West Philippine Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26): President Aquino to inspect upgraded naval station facing the West Philippine Sea

President Benigno S. Aquino III will inspect on Tuesday the upgraded Philippine Navy’s operational command center securing the West Philippine Sea, as the country further strengthens its defense capabilities.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, at a Palace briefing on Monday, said the President will also witness the conceptual master plan of Naval Station Carlito Cunanan (NSCC) in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on Tuesday, as part of the Navy’s 116th anniversary celebration this week.

Lacierda said the Naval Forces West (NFW) Command Center has been at the forefront of territorial defense operations in 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,” he said.

With the theme “Protecting our Territory, Safeguarding our Future”, it is the first time in the Philippine Navy history to hold its anniversary in the naval operating forces.

This is to showcase Navy’s future plans of developing and improving its forward operating base in Palawan facing the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, Lacierda said the Naval Station Carlito Cunanan, named after the first naval officer to support the 1986 EDSA Revolution, 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 (EDCA), through which we hope to further improve our defense capacities,” he said.

Lacierda said that during the celebration, the country also commemorates the sacrifice of the Marines, who have bravely devoted themselves to protecting the national territorial and maritime borders.

“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,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=647176