Navy eyes observation stations in Northern Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - The Navy is planning to put up several littoral observation stations in northern Philippines to improve its maritime domain awareness.

Capt. Albert Mogol, commander of Naval Task Force 11, said the upgrade is necessary because of the country’s long coastlines.

“Our concentration is on situational awareness. When we say situational awareness, we refer to radars and monitoring stations,” Mogol told reporters in a recent interview in Poro Point, La Union.

“We need to do this because we have a long coastline so we’ll be putting up several observatory stations in areas we cannot monitor extensively. That’s part of the modernization of the armed forces,” he added.

The Navy is also planning to develop Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

“(What is being developed is) our capability to respond and to monitor activities in the area to protect our interest in the north,” Mogol said.

When asked if the naval base in Cagayan is being considered as a site for United States military facilities, Mogol said: “No, it’s not being talked about.”

“They are just here to help us, to capacitate us,” he added, noting that Philippine Navy troopers are conducting similar activities to strengthen their ties with local governments.

Last year, the Philippines and the United States signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which provides American troops greater access to military bases in the country.

However, the legality of EDCA has been challenged before the Supreme Court by groups who believe that it violates Philippine sovereignty.

As of October 2013, the Navy has 20 functional littoral observation stations. It is expecting to have six more fixed stations and nine “mobile stations,” a term that refers to two frigates and seven helicopters that can conduct surveillance operations.

The development of the Navy’s monitoring capabilities is expected to enhance disaster response efforts and operations against terrorism, poaching and other maritime threats.