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Michael Punongbayan - The Philippine Star
February 6, 2026 | 12:00am
Satellite image ng Sulu Sea mula sa kalawakan.
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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy is set to establish a station in the Sulu Sea aimed mainly at helping protect the marine environment in Tubbataha Reef in Palawan while also monitoring foreign vessel traffic in the area.
Signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Wednesday, the Western Naval Command (WNC) has formalized a partnership with the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) for the initiative.
The agreement establishes a Naval Monitoring Detachment at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Ranger Station, which will enhance maritime monitoring and conservation efforts, strengthening inter-agency coordination for effective maritime situational awareness in the Sulu Sea.
WNC commander Rear Admiral Vincent Sibala said the MOU “represents our commitment to protecting our vital marine ecosystems while safeguarding national security. By integrating naval assets with TMO’s expertise, we fortify our defenses against illegal activities and promote sustainable maritime stewardship.”
“Partnering with the WNC will amplify our ranger operations, ensuring the Tubbataha Reefs – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – remains a beacon of biodiversity for future generations,” Angelique Songco, protected area superintendent of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, added.
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, located in the Sulu Sea, is one of the world’s richest marine environments, facing ongoing threats from illegal fishing, poaching, and environmental degradation.
With the new detachment, the Philippine Navy aims to provide real-time naval support for patrols, surveillance and rapid response, underscoring its role in environmental protection alongside its core defense mandate, fostering synergy among government agencies to address shared challenges in the region.
Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the new naval station will allow the military to play a role in environmental protection.
“Tubbataha is on the very eastern seaboard of Puerto Princesa. So, it’s on Sulu Sea within our territory. Within the vicinity of our ASL, archipelagic sea lanes, so it’s important we have presence there to help the coast guard, BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) and other agencies that secure Tubbataha which is a world-renowned dive spot,” he explained.
Trinidad said the naval detachment will also play a role in territorial defense and monitoring other activities like poaching and intrusions.
On the issue of Chinese vessels, Trinidad said the Sulu Sea is a transit area where China’s vessels including its warships also conduct innocent passage as they did last year when People’s Liberation Army Navy warships passed by from Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc going to Mindoro through the Verde Island passage and exited in the Basilan-Jolo area.
