'Sovereignty has no price': Rising oil prices test, but won’t halt, Navy patrolsThe Philippine Navy’s BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602) docks at the Puerto Princesa seaport in Palawan after arriving from Subic in October 2023 to support Western Command operations in the West Philippine Sea. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy will continue patrols in the country’s territorial and sovereign waters despite soaring oil prices, a Navy spokesperson said. "Our patrols, our operations will continue sapagkat ito ang mandato natin," he added. ("Our patrols, our operations will continue because this is our mandate.") Oil prices have surged amid the Middle East crisis and escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran.

Source: Philippine Star March 16, 2026 07:32 UTC