MANILA, Philippines — A new Army unit is being eyed for deployment in Palawan to help secure the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The AFP said the plan is part of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) and the continuing efforts to protect the WPS.
A study is being conducted on the plan, which includes possible deployment of troops as well as mechanized and artillery divisions.
“This is in accordance with the intention of the Department of National Defense. It’s not only in Palawan… we will be expanding the coverage of the Army for a long-term goal,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran said.
“We are coordinating this matter with relevant agencies such as the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy, and even with the head of the Western Command,” Gumiran added.
He said the plan is in support of the bigger plans of the AFP and for achieving the objectives of the CADC.
“We are still studying the proposal to determine where our armor and artillery assets are needed most. If the study will show that Palawan is the place to be, we will do that,” Gumiran said.
He clarified that the current plan only covers possible troop or unit deployment in Palawan and not in other areas of the Kalayaan Island Group in the WPS.