US govt to train PHL forces in energy exploration security

Filipino naval forces assigned to secure oil and gas exploration activities are set to undergo training from the US government, according to the Energy Department. The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of National Defense (DND) will be buying military equipment from the US within a three-year period in exchange for the training services. The P8 billion from the government's Malampaya royalties will be used to fund exploration projects in far areas within Philippine waters, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said Tuesday. Around P150 million from the budget will be used for the training program. The national government earns more than $100 million in monthly royalties from the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project in Northwest Palawan. Noting the corruption scandals now plaguing the Armed Forced of the Philippines, Almendras said that the DOE would head the acquisition and release of the budget. "To further stimulate exploration, we need to provide security. That's why this amount has to be disbursed purposely for energy resource security. The amount will be spent to buy three blue water ships from US, helicopters, six to seven radar systems all across Mindanao and Palawan," Almendras said. According to the Energy chief, added security would also help promote investments in the country's upstream oil business. “When oil rigs are in place, one that costs at least $100 million, you cannot afford a security risk. You cannot afford a small pump boat extorting money from you," he added. He said that the security scheme would cover all exploration areas in Palawan, including the disputed Spratly's Island. President Benigno Aquino III had also instructed the Coast Guard to secure oil explorations in the Kalayaan island group. The idea of sending additional security for energy explorations was first raised by the DOE and the DND in 2008. Initial plans included hiring a security group such as US-based Blackwater. Blackwater provides basic training facilities to support local and regional law enforcers. — BC/VS, GMA News