Nolcom boosts territorial defense over Panatag Shoal

By Myds Supnad

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur – The Northern Luzon Command is boosting territorial defense of the country in its sphere including Panatag Shoal, top military officials said.

For starters, 65 officers from  maneuvering and supporting units of Air Force, Army, and Naval divisions under the Nolcom recently took part in a seminar-workshop on territorial defense.

           

Nolcom commander Major Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang,Jr, whose area of coverage includes northern and Central Luzon, told newsmen  the workshop was primarily intended to boost territorial jurisdiction of Panatag shoal which is under the map of the country and inside the Philippines Territorial economic zone but it being claimed by China.

In a statement, Capt. Gina Daet, information officer said “The main objective of the activity is to provide awareness and understanding on external threats being posed to Philippine territory particularly in West Philippine Sea and the nature and development of global challenges.”

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters War Plan Division Chief Col. Raul Vinoya and Headquarters Territorial Defense Branch Chief Cdr. Archibald Dino Delfin served as lecturers.

NOLCOM consists of the 5th Infantry and 7th Infantry Division of the Army, which are based in Isabela and Nueva Ecija respectively; 1st Air Division of Air Force, which is based in Clark; and Naval Forces Northern Luzon, which is based in La Union. 

Catapang earlier sought the mining of the mountainous area of Fort Magsaysay believed to be rich in minerals and gold worth some P80 billion to be used in purchasing war materials for the AFP such as war planes, war ships and missiles.

He said the Philippines can then become a super military power once the AFP can acquire war materials.

"Kapag may ganito na tayong gamit pandigma ay di na tayo kayang tatakutin pa ng mga kapitbahay nating bansa," said Catapang.