Navy chief visits retired gas platforms for possible observation posts for Recto Bank, Malampaya

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo on Saturday inspected two gas platforms northwest of Palawan for possible use as observation posts for Recto Bank and the Malampaya gas platform.

Bacordo visited the Nido and Matinloc gas platforms in Malampaya, the Navy said on Sunday.

He was accompanied by Joint Task Force Malampaya commander Navy Captain Donn Anthony Miraflor and Naval Staff for C4ISR Captain Marcos Imperio.

“This inspection intends to look at the viability of these retired gas platforms to be converted to observation posts for Recto Bank and Malampaya gas platform. This will further enhance our capability to protect our maritime interests in these strategic locations," Bacordo said.

The Department of Energy ended the two gas fields' operations last year after over 40 years of production.

The Department of National Defense is interested to acquire the two gas platforms and transfer ownership to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The AFP intends to convert the gas platforms into Philippine Navy Littoral Monitoring Stations (LMS).

The locations of the said gas platforms is deemed "strategic and vital" due to their proximity to Recto Bank, Malampaya and Galoc gas fields.

The Malampaya Gas Field is under the responsibility of the Naval Forces West since it is located 820 meters deep at 80 kms off the coast of Palawan.

Before inspecting the two gas platforms, Bacordo visited the JTF Malampaya headquarters in El Nido, Palawan accompanied by Naval Forces West commander Commodore Renato David and 3rd Marine Brigade commander Brigadier General Nestor Herico. —KG, GMA News