PH flag raised at Philippine Rise

May 20 ------ THE Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) hoisted the Philippine flag at the Talampas ng Pilipinas or Philippine Rise to reaffirm the country's sovereignty in the eastern frontier. Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca said the hoisting of the flag was part of commemorative activities marking the eighth anniversary of the renaming of the rise. 

The two-day event began on May 16 with a send-off ceremony for the BRP Emilio Jacinto at the Soiltech Pier in San Fernando, La Union. Buca said hoisting of the national colors at the Talampas ng Pilipinas is a clear and powerful statement of the country's commitment to assert and uphold its maritime entitlements. Present at the send-off were senior military leaders and key stakeholders from the civilian maritime sector. 

In his message, Buca emphasized the deeper meaning behind the activity. "The Philippine Rise is not just part of our territory — it is part of our identity," he said. "This ceremony is not merely a ceremonial departure, but a reaffirmation of our unwavering commitment to protect what is ours. Your presence out there speaks louder than words — you are the guardians of our seas and the visible force behind our peaceful assertion of sovereign rights." 

Used to be known as Benham Rise, the Philippine Rise is a 13-million-hectare undersea plateau east of Luzon. 

Source: manilatimes.net