Resupply in WPS easier, more frequent due to acquisition of more asserts -- WESCOM

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 2): Resupply in WPS easier, more frequent due to acquisition of more asserts -- WESCOM

With more and more naval assets coming into service, resupply missions to Filipino troops in far-flung areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) have become much easier.

This was stressed by newly-appointed Western Command (WESCOM) head Rear Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado in an interview Thursday.

WESCOM is the military command tasked to secure the country's western frontier which includes Palawan and the WPS.

"Right now we have more ships that are able to what this navigate in those waters, (This include the) two Gregorio Del Pilar (frigates). Formerly we can only conduct resupply every three months due to the limitation in ships (but now with more assets in place), we can conduct resupply every 45 days," he said in Filipino.

This means that troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal, Pagasa (Thitu) Island, Lawak (Nanshan) Island, Parola (Northeast Cay) Island, Patag (Flat) Island, Kota (Loaita) Island, Rizal (Commodore) Reef, Likas (West York) Island, and Panata (Lankiam Cay) Island can always get fresh supplies, he added.

Aside from the Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates, other naval assets acquired in the ongoing modernization program include the five ex-Australian landing craft heavies, six multi-purpose assault craft and five AgustaWestland helicopters.

"And when they need something we are able to provide their request," Mercado stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=891218