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Tolentino calls for creation of West Philippine Sea Command

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia
February 12, 2025, 9:31 pm

MANILA -- Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Wednesday called for the establishment of a dedicated West Philippine Sea Command to enhance maritime security and national defense.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum, the Senator said he will formally write to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to outline the operational and strategic benefits of creating a separate command.

"It will improve our response capabilities because a dedicated command would provide focus, leadership, resources, and operational capabilities to address security challenges," he said. "Establishing a dedicated command would strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines' capacity to safeguard national interest, enforce sovereignty, and ensure the security of our maritime domain."

Tolentino emphasized that the proposed entity should be independent of the Western Command (WESCOM) and Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) to ensure better coordination and quicker response times.

Currently, Palawan province and nearby maritime territories, including Panatag (Scarborough Shoal) and Ayungin Shoal, fall under WESCOM, while Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is under NOLCOM.

"For purposes of implementing the Philippine Maritime Zones Law, we need a new command dedicated to maritime security, improving response capabilities, and enhancing coordination between the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group," Tolentino explained.

He further proposed that the new command be led by an admiral from the Philippine Navy, ensuring a focused and unified approach in protecting Philippine waters. (PNA)