Manila, Feb. 5 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday announced that its Western Naval Command (WNC), which is based in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, will establish a naval monitoring detachment (NMD) at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Ranger Station to boost situational awareness in the Sulu Sea.

This was made possible after the WNC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) last Feb. 3, the Navy added.

"The agreement establishes a NMD at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Ranger Station. This initiative will enhance maritime monitoring and conservation efforts, strengthening inter-agency coordination for effective maritime situational awareness in the Sulu Sea," the PN said.

The NMD will provide...