The government has moved to tighten security around Malampaya East 1 following the discovery of a new offshore natural gas reservoir seen as critical to the country’s energy supply.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced the discovery at Malampaya East 1, located about five kilometers east of the existing Malampaya gas field off Palawan. The find is part of the Malampaya Phase 4 drilling campaign under Service Contract 38.
Following the announcement, the Philippine Coast Guard said it has deployed assets to secure the area, citing the site’s importance to national energy security and critical infrastructure protection.
Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said a 97 meter offshore patrol vessel has been positioned near Malampaya East 1, supported by two 44 meter patrol vessels and Coast Guard aerial units. The deployment is intended to ensure continuous monitoring and maritime security around the offshore facility.
Initial estimates place the gas in place at around 98 billion cubic feet. According to the President, initial testing showed the well flowing at approximately 60 million cubic feet per day, a level comparable to the output of the original Malampaya wells.
Officials said the discovery could help support domestic power generation and extend the country’s natural gas supply as production from the original Malampaya field declines.
Malampaya East 1 is being developed by Prime Energy in partnership with UC 38, PNOC Exploration Corporation, and Prime Oil and Gas Inc.
