AFP opens forward operating base in Batanes

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now operating a new naval base in Batanes, boosting the country's northernmost territorial defense and humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities.

- By MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN

Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) commander Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca led the inauguration of the Mahatao Forward Operating Base (FOB) on Thursday with Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.

Batanes Gov. Ronald Aguto Jr. and Commodore Edward Ike Sagon, commander of the Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLVC), also witnessed the ceremony.

"The Mahatao Forward Operating Base strengthens our ability to defend the northern frontier and ensures that NOLCOM, together with the Province of Batanes, can respond swiftly to both security challenges and disasters," Buca said during the inauguration.

"This partnership with the local government shows how national defense and local governance work hand in hand for the protection of our people," he added.

NOLCOM public information office chief Lt. Col. Mario Bautista Jr. said the Mahatao FOB represents a strong partnership between the AFP and the provincial government of Batanes.

Located in the coastal town of Mahatao, the base will host Navy and Marine units under the NLVC and the Marine Battalion Landing Team-10, he explained.

He said these units are tasked with securing the Batanes Strait, monitoring maritime activities and supporting interagency operations.

Bautista said the establishment of the Mahatao FOB ensures closer collaboration between NOLCOM and the local government unit in sustaining peace, security and disaster response in the island province.

He noted that Batanes holds strategic value as the closest Philippine province to Taiwan and a gateway to both the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Sea.

"The Mahatao FOB strengthens the country's ability to protect sovereignty, expand maritime domain awareness and respond rapidly to emergencies in the northern frontier," Bautista said.