AFP backs Navy position to keep base amid Sangley airport project

October 13, 2020

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay supported the position of the Philippine Navy (PN) to retain the military installation in Cavite amid the airport construction project in Sangley.

"The AFP supports that effort, of that position of the PN flag officer in command of retaining naval presence in the area in Sangley. First, it has really, it has strategic value as far as protecting Manila Bay in Manila because also its_(the) gateway to Manila," Gapay said in a virtual forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Tuesday.

"The presence of the Navy there is very strategic and very important, and number two, you know historical value also. Our naval units have been there for many many years and in fact the presence of the Navy has grown from a small area, detachment occupying few hectares. Right now, our Navy is occupying more than 50 hectares of the area in Sangley," he added.

Gapay said the presence of the naval base in Sangley will not affect or disrupt the airport operation.

"Our presence there, the naval presence there would not in anyway you know disturb air operations...should they operate the Sangley runways there," he said.

"They should be thankful because they have additional security forces there guarding that very important facility. It's an airport and it needs to be secured," he added.  Robina Asido/DMS