TARLAC CITY — Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) reiterated its commitment to continue providing maritime border security.
This is manifested in milestones on territorial defense operations through continued decisive air and surface patrols.
NOLCOM Commander Lieutenant General Fernyl Buca disclosed that to date, the unified command and partner agencies have undertaken a total of 60 successful air patrols and 30 surface patrols, ensuring the nation’s territorial security.
In addition, its Littoral Monitoring Detachment strategically positioned in the provinces of Zambales, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes monitored a total of 22,474 foreign and domestic vessels in the NOLCOM Maritime Areas, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the Philippines’ maritime borders.
With this, Buca assured that NOLCOM will continue to launch maritime patrols (MarPat) in collaboration with key government agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
“This initiative will ensure the safety of our fellow Filipinos specially our fishermen and protect our marine resources for the benefit of current and future generations,” he emphasized.
MARPAT is a NOLCOM routine security patrol which covers three maritime areas namely Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, Philippine Rise (Benham Rise), and the Batanes Strait. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)