“ATF-North is primarily the regional counterpart of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea that focuses on three primary maritime concerns within our area of responsibility namely Bajo de Masinloc, Batanes, and Benham Rise,” Nolcom commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo said.
Tanalgo said the task force will be composed of representatives from various government agencies in Central Luzon.
“The cooperation of various agencies and sectors will greatly influence the success of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in securing our maritime sovereignty and protecting the wellbeing of the Filipino people and our national interest. Rest assured that we will always observe the diplomatic approach in accordance with our policy that is aligned with the International Rule of Law,” Tanalgo stressed.
The task force members include representatives of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.
Tanalgo said the task force also comprises of representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Energy, Department of Justice, Philippine National Police, Commission on Higher Education, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Office of Civil Defense.
“NICA shall be the lead convenor on maritime domain awareness and intel, PIA on awareness and advocacy, DFA on diplomatic and legal, and NEDA on socio-economic,” he said.
