Matinloc platform in Palawan. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Malampaya)
MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., visited the Nido and Matinloc platforms off Palawan last May 28, which will be used by the military to augment the country’s maritime domain awareness capability.
These oil fields in the province's northwestern part ceased production in November last year after over four decades of operations.
In a statement on Monday, AFP public affairs office chief Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said the two fields produced a total of 31 million barrels of oil before shutting down operations.
"It's currently being manned by AFP personnel and tasked to monitor the maritime environment in its periphery. They can communicate with other passing vessels in the area and report the same to higher headquarters," he added.
Santos, meanwhile, said these facilities could serve as a shelter for fisherfolk, as well as researchers from the national government agencies.
“This is a very good development for the Armed Forces as it will increase our maritime domain awareness and our operational reach,” he added.
Santos also visited the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Malampaya and met with its commander, Navy Capt. Donn Anthony Miraflor.
The Joint Task Force Malampaya under the AFP’s Western Command is tasked to secure the Malampaya Natural Gas Project from security threats, including terror attacks. (PNA)
