Teodoro, Brawner assess Palawan naval defense facilities

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Police (AFP) chief Romeo Brawner Jr. visited some key naval facilities in Oyster Bay, Palawan to assess their developments, the AFP said on Friday.

In a statement, the AFP said Teodoro and Brawner on Thursday checked the improvement of the facilities which are “critical to enhancing the country’s external defense posture.”

“This facility, along with projects in Balabac, are part of the priority projects instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be fast-tracked in order to bolster the Philippines’ external defense capabilities,” the AFP said.

According to the AFP, these facilities “hold strategic importance and are crucial in external defense to protect Philippine sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.”

“Balabac is also pegged as a future forward operating base for the Philippine Air Force, which will significantly extend the nation’s air defense capabilities.”

The AFP said the visit of the officials shows the commitment of the Department of National Defense and the military organization to strengthening the Philippines’ military infrastructure and ensuring the protection of the country’s sovereignty amid “evolving security challenges.”

—VAL, GMA Integrated News