MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Navy will hold its anniversary in Palawan, in a navy base facing the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
The Navy leadership, however, brushed off speculations that the decision to hold the anniversary rites at Naval Forces West in Naval Station Carlito Cunanan in Ulugan Bay, Puerto Princesa on Tuesday, is in connection with the heightened tensions with China over the disputed Kalayaan Island Group (Spratly Islands).
“What we are doing here is our obligation to develop our facilities not for anything else but we are addressing basic concerns,” Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said on Sunday.
He said they are highlighting the need to develop the navy base further, citing its strategic importance.
Colonel Edgard Arevalo, Navy civil military operations chief, said Naval Station Carlito Cunanan, the new Naval Forces West headquarters, will make it easier for their assets to reach the islands claimed by the Philippines in the Spratlys.
For instance, with the base’s proximity, they will be able to save around 20,000 liters of fuel to Pag-asa Island. The Naval Forces West was previously headquartered in Naval Station Apolinario Johnson in the eastern part of Palawan.
Arevalo said the celebration in Palawan will also give them the opportunity to show President Benigno Aquino III, who is guest of honor, to show the improvements and necessities to sustain its operations in the West Philippine Sea.
The Navy anniversary is usually held in Manila and Cavite area.
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