PH Navy assures protection of Malampaya East-1 following gas find

MANILA, January 22 ------ The Philippine Navy said the recent discovery of natural gas at Malampaya East-1 (MAE-1) is already covered by existing security measures, assuring the public that safeguards are in place to protect the country’s critical energy infrastructure.

Navy spokesperson Capt. Marissa Arlene Martinez said the Malampaya gas platform has been under continuous protection for more than a decade through Joint Task Force (JTF) Malampaya, under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (AFP Wescom). “For over a decade, the Navy has maintained a continuous presence at Malampaya through Joint Task Force Malampaya of the Western Command, employing naval surface, air, and special operations assets to ensure the protection of the area,” Martinez told defense reporters in a text message.

She stressed that the Navy remains committed to defending the country’s sovereignty and securing vital installations following the discovery of the new gas deposit. MAE-1 is located about five kilometers from the existing Malampaya platform. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the Wescom is responsible for monitoring the area and responding to any security threats.

Asked whether the discovery would require enhanced security measures or raise concerns over possible harassment from China, Trinidad said operational requirements such as detection and response are determined by the Wescom with the full support of the AFP. “The AFP is prepared to support any surge in their [China’s] operations,” Trinidad said in a separate text message.

The Navy also pointed to recent improvements in its maritime security capabilities, including the arrival of the offshore patrol vessel BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20) at Naval Operating Base Subic on January 17. The ship was formally welcomed on January 20. “[The arrival of BRP Rajah Sulayman] marks a significant milestone in the Navy’s modernization efforts,” Martinez said. “This advanced vessel, together with other modern capabilities, further strengthens the Navy’s ability to secure the nation’s maritime domain, patrol the exclusive economic zone, and protect strategic resources such as the Malampaya gas platform,” she added.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com