The City Council has approved a resolution expressing no objection to the Department of National Defense’s (DND) application for a gratuitous special use permit that would pave the way for the establishment of a Philippine Navy anti-ship missile defense system in Barangay Bahile.
Approved on second and final reading on Monday, Resolution No. 675-2026 authorizes the city’s endorsement of the DND’s application through the Navy for the special use permit covering Naval Detachment Oyster Bay.
The permit is needed for the planned construction of Coastal Defense Regiment assets and logistical facilities, including an Anti-Ship Missile System.
The resolution stemmed from a request by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and a memorandum from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) MIMAROPA Regional Director Rey Maranan, who cited the project’s importance in strengthening the country’s territorial defense, particularly with Puerto Princesa serving as a strategic gateway to the West Philippine Sea.
City Councilor Elgin Damasco, chairperson of the Committee on Environmental Protection, said the project is expected to enhance the country’s coastal defense capabilities, particularly in maritime surveillance and responding to security threats.
He added that the resolution was approved after the Department of National Defense secured the endorsement of the Barangay Council of Bahile, where the project will be located.
While the City Council has expressed no objection to the proposal, the project will still undergo the necessary reviews and coordination with other government agencies to ensure compliance with existing laws and the continued protection of the environment.
Naval Detachment Oyster Bay is part of Naval Command West (NAVCOMWEST), the Philippine Navy’s primary command responsible for operations in the West Philippine Sea.
Located along Ulugan Bay, the military facility has become increasingly important as the Philippines expands its defense capabilities amid continuing maritime tensions in the disputed waters.
The planned facility will support the Philippine Navy’s Coastal Defense Regiment, which operates the country’s shore-based missile capability under the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program.
