MANILA, Philippines—The military’s Western Command (Wescom) conducted exercises simulating response to attacks on Philippine oil platforms near the West Philippine Sea, weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the ban on oil exploration in the area which China is claiming to be part of its mythical nine-dash line territory.
The Joint Task Force West and Joint Task Force Malampaya, both under Wescom, held what the Wescom called “Gas-Oil Platform Takedown” exercise at the Matinloc gas platform in El Nido, Palawan province during the weekend, according to the Wescom.
The Matinloc gas platform had been retired in 2019 and was being considered as a military observation post becaus…
Keep on reading: PH troops simulate assault on hostile forces in West Philippine Sea oil, gas platforms