Manila: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday advocated for the establishment of strategic oil reserves and related infrastructure for the military. This proposal arises in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is now in its third week and has led to significant increases in global oil prices.

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro emphasized the necessity of maintaining substantial fuel reserves for national security. During an impromptu interview, he mentioned, "Yung supplies natin ng fuel, dapat talaga may reserba tayo na malaki (We must have a large reserve of fuel supplies)." This statement was in response to queries regarding the lessons learned by the Philippine security sector from the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Teodoro highlighted that creating strategic oil reserves would necessitate additional storage facilities. He clarified that the proposed reserves for military purposes would be distinct from the existing national inventory designated for commercial use, which reportedly sustains at least a 60-day supply.

"For military use, of course, the numbers are different. Pero ang pinaka-importante meron tayong pag-iimbakan (but what is important is that we will have the storage capacity)," Teodoro stated. He also noted that despite the rising oil prices, ongoing patrols in the West Philippine Sea and other military operations have not been affected due to available fuel reserves. "May reserves para doon (there are reserves for that)," he assured.