The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reinforced its presence in the West Philippine Sea by conducting a monitoring patrol at the Malampaya Natural Gas Power Project on Friday, January 23. The facility is considered the country’s most critical energy infrastructure.
The move followed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s announcement of a “significant” gas field discovery within the Malampaya complex, which is expected to boost domestic energy supply.
The AFP said the patrol “underscored its unwavering commitment to protecting strategic national assets that are vital to the Philippines’ energy security and economic stability.”
AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led the patrol and site visit under Joint Task Force Malampaya, assessing security measures, operational readiness, and coordination efforts.
“The AFP continues to intensify its presence and monitoring operations in key strategic areas as part of its broader mission to defend national sovereignty, uphold maritime rights and ensure protection of critical infrastructure essential to national development,” the military added.
The patrol highlights the AFP’s role in safeguarding energy facilities amid rising tensions with China over the West Philippine Sea.