Senator Francis Tolentino calls for the establishment of a West Philippine Sea Command (WPSCOM) to strengthen maritime security and national defense amidst China's maritime presence.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to establish a West Philippine Sea Command ( WPSCOM ) to bolster maritime security and national defense. Tolentino, in a letter to the President, emphasized the 'security and economic importance of the West Philippine Sea, and the continuous challenges posed by Chinese vessels.' This call comes amidst the persistent presence of Chinese ships in the region.
Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, outlined that the WPSCOM 'shall have jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea or the maritime zones of the Philippines on the western side of the Philippine Archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc, and the maritime features of the Kalayaan Island Group, as stated in Section 2 of Republic Act (RA) 12064.' RA 12064, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, is one of two landmark measures authored by Tolentino, signed into law by President Marcos last November, aimed at safeguarding the country's territorial integrity and maritime rights. The senator believes this dedicated command will provide focused leadership, resources, and operational capabilities to effectively address security challenges in the West Philippine Sea. He further stated that the WPSCOM will strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) capacity to protect national interests, enforce sovereignty and sovereign rights, and ensure the security of the maritime domain. Tolentino, drawing on Section 38, Chapter 6, Title XIII, Book IV of the Revised Administrative Code of 1987, explained that the AFP 'may be organized into such commands, forces, and organizations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense.' He added that the territory of the Philippines 'may be divided into such tactical and geographical areas and zones or regions and districts as the Secretary of National Defense may direct.' The senator acknowledged that the AFP currently has the Western Command (Wescom) and the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), which respectively oversee state forces in the country's western and northern regions. To avoid jurisdictional overlap, Tolentino proposed that the Wescom and Nolcom concentrate their forces on the land territory of their respective areas of responsibility up to and including the 12 nautical miles of territorial sea. He suggested that the WPSCOM could be immediately operationalized by utilizing the Philippine Fleet Marine Ready Force and enhance coordination between the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Command.
WEST PHILIPPINE SEA WPSCOM MARINE SECURITY NATIONAL DEFENSE CHINA SENATE FRANCIS TOLENTINO PRESIDENT MARCOS JR.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Senator Tolentino Urges Creation of West Philippine Sea CommandSenator Francis Tolentino calls for the establishment of a dedicated West Philippine Sea Command to bolster maritime security and enforce the Philippine Maritime Zones Law.
Baca lebih lajut »
Philippine Coast Guard Monitors Chinese Vessel in West Philippine SeaThe Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is closely watching a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel operating illegally off the Zambales coast in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The PCG deployed the BRP Gabriela Silang to keep a protective distance from the CCG vessel, preventing its approach to the Philippine coastline. Despite the CCG's radio challenges alleging a violation of maritime collision regulations, the PCG maintains that the core issue is the CCG's illegal presence in Philippine waters.
Baca lebih lajut »
Philippine Coast Guard Stands Firm Against Chinese Vessels in West Philippine SeaThe Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) asserts its authority in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), issuing radio challenges to Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels encroaching within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Baca lebih lajut »
China Coast Guard and PLAN Harass Philippine Vessels in West Philippine SeaThe Philippine Coast Guard reports that Chinese maritime forces harassed Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessels conducting scientific research and sand sampling in the West Philippine Sea.
Baca lebih lajut »
Philippine Coast Guard Stands Firm Against Chinese Vessels in West Philippine SeaA Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship, BRP Cabra, successfully deterred three Chinese vessels from approaching the coast of Zambales. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the disputed West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, the PCG launched a comic book to counter alleged Chinese disinformation and promote awareness about the country's maritime rights.
Baca lebih lajut »
Philippine Navy: China's Use of LRAD Signals Escalating Aggression in West Philippine SeaThe Philippine Navy has condemned the use of Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) by the China Coast Guard (CCG) against a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, calling it a clear escalation of aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy in the WPS, stated that the LRAD signifies an increase in the Chinese Communist Party's aggression and underscores their illegal presence and coercive actions in the disputed waters. He linked this incident with China's broader strategy of asserting territorial claims over the South China Sea, citing the recent arrest of a Chinese national involved in intelligence surveillance of Philippine infrastructure.
Baca lebih lajut »