Task force on West Philippine Sea issues formed

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has created a task force to coordinate all efforts on matters pertaining the West Philippine Sea.

The Area Task Force-North or ATF-North is the regional counterpart of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, which focuses on maritime issues involving the Bajo de Masinloc, Batanes and Benham Rise, according to Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo.

The task force will be composed of representatives from various government agencies in Central Luzon.

“The cooperation of various agencies and sectors will influence the success of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in securing our maritime sovereignty and protecting the well-being of the Filipino people and our national interest. We will observe diplomacy in accordance with the International Rule of Law,” Tanalgo said.

Members of the task force include representatives of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the offices of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.

“The NICA will be the lead agency in promoting maritime domain awareness and intelligence, PIA on awareness and advocacy, DFA on diplomatic and legal matters, and NEDA on socio-economic aspects,” he said.