By Myris Lee
National Coast Watch Center (NCW) Director Rear Admiral Roy Echeverria said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has improved its capabilities and became stronger under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
During the May 2 Laging Handa briefing,he said the PCG intensified their patrol not only in the West Philippine Sea but also in the other borders, including the Scarborough Shoal and Philippine Rise.
“Ang alam ko ay lalong pinaigting ng ating Philippine Coast Guard ang kanilang pagpapatrolya hindi lang po West Philippine Sea, kung hindi sa iba pang borders ng ating karagatan, kasama na rin ang ating Scarborough Shoal at iyong sa Philippine Rise” Echeverria said.
“Sa nalalapit na pagtatapos nitong administrasyon, I believe na mas lalo tayong lumakas, lalo nag-improve ang ating mga capabilities at mas nagagampanan natin ang ating mga tungkulin at napapaigting natin ang ating monitoring capability doon sa mga problematic na lugar,” he added.
According to the NCW Chief, the PCG’s presence provides assistance and enough protection for Filipino fishermen.
“So, with their presence, sustained presence ng mga barko ng ating Philippine Coast Guard doon sa area ng nabanggit ninyo ay mas nabibigyan natin ng karampatang assistance at tamang proteksiyon ang ating mga fishermen,” he said.
Meanwhile, Echeverria reported that the number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea declined compared with the previous month amid foreign vessels’ influx in the west border. – ag
