AFP will build shelter for military, fishermen in Batanes

March 22, 2018

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will build shelter for military and fishermen in an island in Batanes next month.

Lt. Col. Isagani Nato, spokesman of the AFP Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), said the construction of facility in Mavulis Island of Itbayat in the Batanes Province is set to start early next month.

“The structure will serve as a multi-purpose shelter for locals fishing in the vicinity double up as shelter for Nolcom troops visiting the island to guard our maritime domain in that isolated area during poaching season,” he said.

“Also, amenities will be provided to cater the needs of the recipients considering the proximity of the place to the nearest island town,” Nato added.

Nato said “in line with this effort, a presentation of manifesto of support by the Local Government Units (LGU) of Batanes will form part of the program.”

“To highlight the affair, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the AFP and stakeholder sponsor will be signed in Basco, Batanes on March 23, 2018,” he said.

“Involved in the MOA signing will be the AFP Chief of Staff (Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero) , the Nolcom Commander (Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat), governor of Batanes, and the president of Republic Cement and Builders Materials Incorporated as the key sponsor,” he added.

Nato said the project aims to increase the “presence of local fishermen in the region contributing to the protection of our marine resources and enhance the information gathering around the northern maritime area.” Robina Asido/DMS