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Pia Lee-Brago - The Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 | 12:00am
For the first time in over a decade, a new gas supply has been discovered five kilometers east of the existing Malampaya field offshore Palawan, President Marcos said on January 19, 2026.
Screenshots / Bongbong Marcos | via Brix Lelis
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has conducted a monitoring patrol over the Malampaya gas field in Palawan to secure the country’s newly discovered natural gas reserve.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday led the aerial monitoring patrol and site visit within the Joint Task Force (JTF) Malampaya area of responsibility “to assess the security posture and operational readiness in safeguarding the Malampaya Natural Gas Power Project, one of the country’s most critical energy infrastructure within the West Philippine Sea.”
“The visit underscored the AFP’s unwavering commitment to protecting strategic national assets that are vital to the Philippines’ energy security and economic stability,” the AFP said in a statement.
President Marcos earlier announced the discovery of a major natural gas field at the Malampaya East 1 reservoir – the first in more than a decade – describing it as a significant boost to the country’s energy supply and long-term security.
Located about five kilometers east of the existing Malampaya field, the newly discovered reservoir is estimated to hold around 98 billion cubic feet of gas in place. Initial testing showed the well flowing at 60 million cubic feet per day.
During the site visit, Brawner received briefings on existing security measures, ongoing maritime and air patrols and inter-agency coordination efforts to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of the facility.
He stressed the need for sustained vigilance and professionalism among personnel tasked with securing the country’s offshore resources, commending JTF Malampaya for its readiness amid evolving maritime security challenges.
“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 the protection of critical infrastructure essential to national development,” the AFP said.
