By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of National Defense is looking to position the Visayas as a strategic military logistics hub to strengthen the country’s territorial defense, military operations and disaster-response capabilities, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said.
Teodoro identified the Visayas Command (VISCOM) as a key support center for operations covering the southern Philippines, MIMAROPA and Northern Mindanao, citing the region’s strategic location and existing military facilities.
He pointed to Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City and Brig. Gen. Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Mactan as important installations that can support military logistics and operational requirements.
The facilities have also demonstrated their value in humanitarian assistance and disaster-response missions, underscoring the Visayas’ role beyond conventional military operations.
The proposed logistics direction is expected to strengthen the movement and deployment of personnel, equipment and supplies in support of territorial defense and emergency operations.
However, specific implementation timelines, funding requirements and infrastructure upgrades have yet to be detailed.
The initiative underscores the growing strategic importance of the Visayas in the country’s broader defense posture.
ia/xf
