Land dispute derails setting up of radar system in Palawan

MANILA, Philippines – The planned setting up of a land-based radar system in Palawan is being derailed due to the ongoing land ownership disputes between the military and the province’s city board members.

The land sits on one of the city’s highest peaks fronting the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). It is adjacent to Ulugan Bay now being occupied by a Philippine Marine contingent.

“Our Marine contingent are being asked to leave for reasons that their presence in the area is becoming a frightening sight to foreign tourists,” a senior Western Command (Wescom) official said.

The Wescom official said they would later discover that the group out to grab government land in area is reportedly behind the resolution asking the Marines to leave.

They added that Marines were deployed in the place along with city policemen, not only to contain warring parties out to control government land there but more particularly in line with the military’s plan to put a radar system in place.

Once a radar system becomes operational in the area, the official said Wescom will have a clearer picture of what is going on in the West Philippine Sea on a 24-hour basis.

The Wescom official also confirmed the scheduled permanent deployment of the 3rd Marine Brigade in the province.

Wescom spokesman Lt. Col. Niel Estrella has confirmed the filing of a barangay resolution asking the Marines to leave their post, but declined to discuss details.

But he added the city’s board members were now discussing the barangay resolution with Wescom officials.