Philippines asserts sovereignty over 11 islands in Northern Luzon

The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines have put up markers on 11 islands in Northern Luzon as part of efforts to secure the maritime territory of the country.

According to a report on “Stand for Truth” by MJ Geronimo on Tuesday, the islands are: Ali, Dinem, Siayan, Misanga in Itbayat, Batanes; Vohos and Dequey Island in Sabtang; Pinon, Pamoctan and Balintang in Calayan, Cagayan; and Palaui and Dos Hermanas Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

“Mayroong local chief executives sa area ng Northern Luzon na nagkwento kay presidente na maraming mga foreign personnel na pumupunta sa mga uninhabited island,” NOLCOM spokesperson Major Ericson Bulosan said.

“May mga galing sa Taiwan pati sa China at iba pang mga karatig-bansa. Isa sa mga dahilan kaya tayo nagsagawa niyo ay of course para mabigyan ng proteksyon ‘yong ating mga isla, ‘yong ating teritoryo,” he added.

Bulosan said the markers will prevent any unauthorized foreign incursions.

“Importante na mamarkahan na natin ang mga ito para ‘yong mga foreign personnels ay magsisilbing babala sa kanila na hindi sila basta-basta aapak sa mga isla na ito sapagkat ito ay pagmamay-ari ng ating bansa,” Bulosan said.

Aside from the markers, he said NOLCOM, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will continue to patrol the islands against foreign poachers.

“[M]as panatag na ako na nalagyan ng sovereign markers, nalagyan na namin ng fishermen shelter, mayroon na kaming mga taga-NOLCOM doon,” Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco said. -- Ma. Angelica Garcia/BAP, GMA News