Camp Aquino, Tarlac City— Northern Luzon Command continues to assert the country’s sovereignty in the northern maritime territory, following the establishment of another two (2) sovereign markers at Mabaag and Barit Islands in Aparri, Cagayan on Wednesday.
The two newly installed sovereign markers are in addition to the 11 sovereign markers that were already installed last year to the 11 uninhabited islands located north of Cagayan province, within the Babuyan Channel.
Like the other markers, the two markers are emplaced in prominent areas of the two islands, making them clearly visible to vessels transiting the waterways in the country’s northern maritime territory.
Commodore Caesar Bernard N Valencia, Commander of Naval Forces Northern Luzon whose personnel are responsible in establishing the two sovereign markers, explained the significance of the markers in asserting our claim in these maritime areas, saying that “These islands and their surrounding territorial waters are an integral part of the country’s territory. Thus, these markers will help us ensure that our sovereignty will be recognized in these areas.”
In his statement, Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, the Commander of Northern Luzon Command and concurrently the Commander of Area Task Force – North, expressed that ‘the establishment of these sovereign markers is our proactive way of asserting our sovereignty in the northern maritime territories.’
He added by emphasizing the need to assert our sovereignty in the areas, saying that “We give utmost importance to our country’s northern maritime territory, as we treat these maritime areas as a significant part of our country. It is a key source of livelihood due to its abundant marine resources, and a strategic trading route to boost our economy. Thus, it must be secured, and our sovereignty must be asserted in these areas.”
Lieutenant General Burgos ended his statement by reaffirming their commitment in preserving the integrity of our national territory, saying that “rest assured that we will remain proactive and vigilant in ensuring the security of our people, as we safeguard our sovereignty and preserve the integrity of our national territory in this part of our country.”
(NOLCOM-PR)
