MANILA – The Philippine Navy will deploy personnel to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park to monitor vessel movements in the Sulu Sea and support ongoing environmental protection efforts, Navy officials announced.

In a report, Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the detachment will complement coast guard, fisheries, and park ranger operations to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage Site from illegal fishing and environmental violations.

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, spanning over 97,000 hectares, is home to more than 1,200 marine species and is a globally recognized scuba diving destination. The Navy’s presence aims to strengthen inter-agency coordination while ensuring effective maritime situational awareness in the area.

Trinidad said a memorandum of understanding was signed Tuesday between the Western Naval Command and the Tubbataha Management Office to formalize the partnership, with Navy personnel co-locating at existing ranger stations.

“This is the Navy’s contribution to support environmental protection. Tubbataha is in the Sulu Sea, within our archipelagic sea lanes, so it’s important we have a presence there to help the coast guard, BFAR, and other agencies securing Tubbataha,” Trinidad said.

While the Navy already monitors large vessels passing through the area, the new detachment will primarily focus on environmental protection. Chinese Navy ships have transited these waters under the right of innocent passage, which requires vessels to move continuously without stopping and not threaten the coastal state’s security.

The park has also faced risks from falling space debris after multiple Chinese rocket launches in 2025, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs to call on all spacefaring states to conduct their activities responsibly.

The Navy said its deployment at Tubbataha is expected to enhance maritime monitoring and conservation efforts, ensuring the long-term protection of this vital marine ecosystem.