Navy mulls detachment on island eyed by Chinese investors

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy plans to put up a detachment on one of the islands reportedly being considered by Chinese businessmen as economic zones and tourist destinations.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said the detachment would be built on Fuga Island in Cagayan.

“Fuga... is highly strategic,” Empedrad told a press briefing at the Navy headquarters yesterday.

He said the Navy is coordinating with the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority on the construction of the detachment.

“If we can put up a station there, the Navy can monitor all vessels passing through vital sea lanes also known as sea lines of communications,” Empedrad said.

Under a memorandum of understanding with Fong Zhi Enterprise Corp. based in Xiamen, a $2-billion Smart City will be built on Fuga Island to be patterned after the Chinese firm’s ongoing mega infrastructure project in Fujian.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Navy officials said they were not consulted when the islands were offered to Chinese investors.

On Chiquita and Grande Islands in Subic Bay,   which are also reportedly being eyed by Chinese businessmen, Empedrad said there is Navy presence near the islands.

He said Navy vessels are docked in one of the piers of South Korean firm Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction in Subic.

The Navy said the three islands are important to the country in terms of security.