Soldiers deployed to secure marked northern Luzon islands

Mavulis island in the northernmost part of Luzon and the nearest to Taiwan is one part of the patrol areas covered by the Northern Luzon Command, Chino Gaston reported on Monday on "24 Oras."

The area is among the 13 islands in northern Luzon where sovereign markers were placed so that these are identified as part of the territories of the Philippines.

Troops were also deployed to secure these areas.

Fishermen and local government officials said that since the time maritime patrols in the Batanes areas were deployed, they no longer see foreign-owned vessels in northern Luzon such as the Chinese vessel that was seen near the Kalayan Island, which is part of Cagayan last September.

Itbayat Mayor Ronald Gutierrez said there are no more threats from the crew of foreign vessels unlike in the past year.

Under the Maritime Information Network of Task Force Karagatan, fishermen are also part of the group that watches over the Philippine territory.

NolCom Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Burgos, said the partnership with the local fishermen has beefed up security measures.

Itbayat town, Gaston reported, is among the farthest areas in the north that travel is difficult, which could also be a reason that there are no cases of COVID-19 reported at this time.

The soldiers and media who recently visited the town were met by local government employees wearing personal protective equipment or PPE.

Mayor Gutierrez said the plan is to implement prevention measures as that the town has limited medical resources. -- BAP, GMA News