THE Department of National Defense (DND) is eyeing the construction of an airbase and naval station in Balabac, Palawan.
In an interview with reporters during an outreach activity in Balabac, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the plan includes the construction of a runway for the use of both the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).
He said together with Caap officials, inspections are being made to identify the area where the runway will be built.
“Ang report sa akin ay 'yung Air Force side at 'yung naval side ay magkatabi. 'Yun nga lang, may lupain na kailangan kunin para buo 'yung lugar, isahan na lang,” Teodoro said.
Teodoro noted that Balabac, Palawan is one of the country’s strategic locations as foreign vessels, including those of China, usually take this route.
Balabac, Palawan is the largest island in the southwest Philippines, where the South China Sea and Sulu Sea merge.
Teodoro raised the need for the immediate construction of a runway in the area.
“Minsan dumadaan talaga rito ang Chinese vessels. At ito kapag hindi nadama or hindi nagkaroon ng presence, napakadali na abusuhin ng foreign influence and other inappropriate and illegal activities,” he said.
He said a healthcare center will also be built in the area to address the medical needs of the residents there. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)