Teodoro, Nafarrete push for stronger military presence in Palawan

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Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Antonio Nafarrete called for a stronger and sustained military presence in Palawan during their visit to the Western Command (WESCOM) in Puerto Princesa City.

Teodoro and Nafarrete visited WESCOM at Camp General Artemio Ricarte on Tuesday where they met with personnel and discussed the command’s operational requirements and defense posture.

“Palawan is the last frontier, right? Let’s make sure that it is the last frontier,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro said Palawan’s unique operating environment requires not only discipline and resolve but also creativity and innovation from military personnel.

For him, it is important to set up a significant tri-service presence in the area to support territorial defense, internal security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as well as deterrence against unlawful activities.

Teodoro said the government is working to strengthen the presence and capabilities of the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps in Palawan.

This includes establishing at least a brigade-sized Army presence and developing a sustainable growth plan for the Marine Corps.

He said the Marine Corps needs mobility to maintain its firepower and operational effectiveness, particularly along the eastern seaboard where there is currently no significant military presence.

Meanwhile, Nafarrete also stressed the need for sustained military presence, operational readiness and strengthened capabilities in the country's western frontiers “to effectively safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The AFP said the visit reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening WESCOM and supporting its personnel as they perform their mandate of protecting the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. — RSJ, GMA News