Teodoro: New AFP facility in Palawan to enhance maritime security

A new facility will be constructed in Palawan to enhance the country’s Philippine maritime security and air defense capabilities.

In a press conference at the Tactical Operations Wing West (TOW WEST) in Palawan, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced significant upgrades to the country’s defense infrastructure, with the new facility set to serve as a “forward operating base” for the Philippine Air Force.

The project is slated for completion within three years, depending on the resolution of legal and construction issues.

“Yung naval facility and air force facility sa Balabac, we want to make it a functional and holistic operating base of the Philippine Air Force”, Tedoro said emphasizing the strategic importance of the facility in strengthening the country’s defense posture, particularly in safeguarding its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

“Ito ay kailangan natin for our external defense posture. Kailangan natin para maprotektahan ang sovereign rights natin sa West Philippine Sea and ito ay magiging backbone ng archipelagic defense concept natin,” the defense secretary added.

Further, he said, “we will be a naval facility that will support our activities in the West Philippine Sea because it’s so obvious na kailangan natin ng naval facility on the north ng western side Palawan kung diyan tayo iikutan ng ating mga naval asets. So meron na tayong naval presence dun, but we want to make it a synergized, modern, and capable naval base.”

The new base is part of a broader effort to improve response times to maritime incidents and support national security in a volatile geopolitical climate.

“Itong karagatan na ito may likas na yaman na kinakailangan hindi lang natin but ng future generations natin. Hindi natin ma e-exploit ito or ma e-explore ito kung hindi natin lalagyan ng credible deterrent ng ating Sandatahang Lakas lalong lalo na sa may kapanahunan ngayon na very volatile [ang] geopolitical situation sa mundo,” Teodoro noted.

In addition to boosting local defense, the facility will host U.S. troops for rotational joint exercises and support.  This collaboration is expected to enhance interoperability between the Philippine military and its allies, contributing to regional stability.

“Ang troops ng United States is rotational depending on the activities na gingagawa natin.  Rotational ‘yan, inaaprubahan kada taon…pero dahil mag i-interoperate tayo mas mabuti na meron ding logistical capability ang U.S. na nakalatag na dito para sa ganun ang common activities na ginagawa natin ay madali nilang gawin”, Teodoro explained.

The Defense Secretary also noted that despite the potential changes in administration after the 2028 presidential elections the focus on strengthening national defense and honoring international agreements would remain steadfast.

“Ito ay kailangan manatil. Kasi ang ating hamon ay hindi magbabago ang dapat tandaan ng ating mga kababayan ang ginagawa ng Tsina sa atin ay hind magbabago at hindi madaan sa usapan….merong responsibilidad kahit anong administrasyon ang pumasok paninindigan ang ating kasunduan sa Estados Unidos at ibang mga bansa upang patatagin ang ating credible posture,” Teodoro said.

The base will also support local economic development by improving infrastructure and attracting investment.

“Pag tumatag ang ating bansa makakakumpyansa ang local, domestic, and foreign investors makaka invest dito maaakyat ang country profie natin at magkakaroon ng karagdagang resources parasa imprastruktura at development,” he added.

Teodoro assured the residents in Palawan that such action is not only for the province but for the integrity of the country to realize a whole, sustainable, and strong Philippines.