The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured on Thursday (April 22) that it will continue to protect the welfare of fisherfolk and marine resources in the West Philippine Sea despite a shortage of naval assets.
According to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, there are currently 10 naval assets deployed in the area, manned by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
“Ang aming pakay kung bakit kami pumupunta roon ay upang mapangalagaan ang security ng ating mga mangigisda na naghahanap-buhay,” Sobejana said.
“Pangalawa, [na] maproteksyunan natin ang ating marine resources in the exclusive economic zone. Kasi nakikita natin unregulated ang nangyayaring pangingisda,” he added.
Based on the reports of naval patrols, huge fishing boats of China with “sophisticated equipment” in the area will cause the degradation of marine resources.
The official said they will continue to conduct upgrades to establish enough capability to protect the territory of the country. For now, they are documenting violations which are submitted to the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea.
“Nananawagan na rin [kami] sa ating legislators na dagdagan ang ating modernization fund para mas marami tayong mabiling sasakyang pandagat. At isa pa, itong ating procurement law kung saan napaka-rigid – ang hirap bumili ng pangangailangan ng AFP,” he appealed.
They are also eyeing to build infrastructures similar to what China has built in the area.
“Ang dahilan kung bakit hindi nagtatayo riyan noong araw [ay] kasi may napag-uusapan na wala dapat magpatayo. Subalit iyon ay nilabag ng China, kaya dapat tayo ay magpatayo starting now,” he said.
He added that the country may have allies in resolving the issue since the area is considered a navigational route. – Report from Rod Lagusad/AG-jlo
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