Manila, May 7 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is looking to establish a base in Catanduanes to help boost the country's response to territorial incursions and other maritime-related incidents in the region.

PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said such a base would create a jump-off point for PCG vessels and cut the PCG's response time.

"The PCG can immediately deploy our assets and drive away watercraft engaged in activities that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is not aware of," he said during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview over PTV on Tuesday.

To date, he said PCG ships headed to Catanduanes would need to come from Subic, Pangasinan, or the Visayas area.

"The intention of [PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan] is to have...