PN ready to secure WPS oil exploration

The Philippine Navy (PN) is prepared to provide security and protection for any oil exploration and drilling operations undertaken by the national government within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

PN spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that the PN and the Armed Forces are ready to secure these efforts against interference from any foreign power.

This readiness was confirmed in response to questions about the PN's capability to secure the drilling operations by the drillship Noble Viking as part of the Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) project.

Trinidad described the security measures as a "full package" that would include naval and air patrols, though specific operational details were not disclosed.

The MP4 project involves drilling three new wells—Camago-3, Malampaya East 1, and Bagong Pag-asa-1—to extend the operational life of the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project.