Senator Francis Tolentino urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to establish a dedicated West Philippine Sea Command to boost the country’s maritime security.
“It is about time for the purposes of implementing the Philippine Maritime Zones Law, that we create our own, a new command, which is the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Command, for maritime security,” said Tolentino in a recent press conference.
“It will now improve our response capabilities because a dedicated command would focus leadership, resources, and operational capabilities to address security challenges such as piracy and illegal fishing,” he added.
The senator, who is currently seeking re-election, said a unified command would improve the country’s ability to enforce the Philippine Maritime Zones Law and strengthen the response capabilities of the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Tolentino pointed out that Palawan and areas surrounding Panatag and Ayungin Shoals currently fall under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WesCom), while the Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) oversees Bajo de Masinloc near Zambales.
“This (WPS Command) will show our resolve and determination to really enforce our laws,” he said.
Tolentino proposed that the WPS Command be led by a high-ranking admiral from the Philippine Navy to ensure efficient leadership and resource allocation.
He noted that the current West Philippine Sea task force is only a temporary arrangement, highlighting the need for a permanent military structure dedicated to maritime security.
The senator cited that China’s People’s Liberation Army operates under a unified Southern Theater Command, while the Philippines remains divided between separate commands.
“I truly believe that a separate West Philippine Sea Command is needed at the moment, at this time, to show our resolve and determination that we are ready to implement the Philippine Maritime Zones Law, as well as protect our national territory,” he concluded.