Navy studies West Philippine Sea Command proposal

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea – Philippine Navy, speaks to the members of the media during AFP Weekly Press Briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on February 4, 2025. INQUIRER.net file photo / ARNEL TACSON

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy said on Friday that it would study the proposed West Philippine Sea command separately from the two unified commands in charge of the operations on the western sections of the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Reelectionist Sen. Francis Tolentino, who also heads the upper chamber’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones, made the proposal, saying he said will improve response capabilities and enhance cooperation.

READ: Marcos, Teodoro urged to create West Philippine Sea Command

“That proposal is well taken,” said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, in a press briefing.

“The recommendation is duly noted and we will study it,” Trinidad added.

West Philippine Sea concerns are being handled by the Western Command (Wescom) and Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).

Wescom is in charge of the Kalayaan Island Group, including Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where naval outpost BRP Sierra Madre is aground.

Nolcom, on the other hand, has Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal under its purview.

Ayungin and Panatag are two of the major flashpoints of tension between Manila and Beijing.

Tolentino said this proposed new entity would be distinct from Wescom and Nolcom, and should be led by a navy admiral.

Trinidad said the military is considering how it would fit in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ structure.

Tolentino is expected to write a formal letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to put forward this  suggestion.