The Philippine Navy’s forward operating base in Mahatao, Batanes.

Philippines Fortifies Military Defenses in Batanes

Jeoffrey Maitem - : Sep 2, 2025 - : 3:11 pm

The Philippines has strengthened its defenses in Batanes, the northernmost province facing Taiwan, by establishing a new forward operating base for the Philippine Navy—a move analysts see as a contingency measure in the event of conflict in the Taiwan Strait....

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The facility, located in Mahatao town, will host the Navy and Marine units under the Northern Luzon Naval Command tasked with securing the Luzon Strait, according to Northern Command chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca in a statement.

Specifically, the base strengthens Manila's ability to defend the northern frontier.

“The Mahatao Forward Operating Base strengthens our ability to defend the northern frontier,” said Buca.

The new military installation comes after what a maritime expert described as the unusual presence this month of armed Chinese coast guard ships in the Bashi Channel, part of the Luzon Strait.

Navy Rear. Adm. Roy Vincent, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the base would allow Philippine forces to “secure and protect what is ours in the maritime domain further than we have right now.”

“Our maritime entitlements are our future. This base in Batanes gives us a foothold to project our presence and safeguard the northern frontier,” he said.

Security expert Chester Cabalza said the new base will greatly help in maritime domain awareness in Luzon Strait against incursions of foreign aggressors.

“It closes the gaps on national security against frequent incursions of foreign aggressors, particularly that Batanes is a front line province just below Taiwan,” said Cabalza, adding the forward operating base in Mahatao “serves as a contingency base in case of war in the Taiwan Strait.”

He added: “A forward operating base is a strategic launching point and logistical hub for quicker response in cases of forcible military invasion.”

China sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. While the US does not recognize Taiwan as an independent state, it is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.

Philippine-navy-pn / Batanes / Taiwan-strait /

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