The Philippine Navy is preparing to convert Grande Island in Subic Bay, Zambales, and Chiquita Island in Bataan into military reservations.
According to Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy is pushing for the official declaration of the two islands as military reservations through a presidential proclamation.
Trinidad explained that these islands need to be designated as military reservations because of their proximity to Subic Bay, where their natural layout provides a safe harbor for Philippine Navy vessels passing through the area.
He also noted that Subic Bay has an existing runway that could be utilized by Philippine aircraft.
The Navy official clarified that this move is unrelated to the recent arrest of six foreigners and two Filipinos on Grande Island on March 13, who were allegedly engaged in illegal activities.
Meanwhile, the planned military conversion of the two islands is expected to enhance security operations in the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, including Riviera Wharf and Subic Bay International Airport.
The Department of National Defense (DND) emphasized that this initiative aligns with the ongoing development of a naval operating base in Subic, which aims to strengthen and maintain the country’s strategic presence in the western seaboard.