By Alec Go
All 10 buoys of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) which also serve as sovereign markers are all still in their original locations in the West Philippine Sea.
On Tuesday, June 6, the PCG confirmed following a Cessna Caravan 2081 minimum descent altitude (MDA) flight the presence of the two navigational buoys which were being verified of their location last week.
“Following the operation, it was confirmed that the two navigational buoys in Balagtas and Julian Felipe Reefs, which had been previously reported as removed, were still in their original positions,” PCG Spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Jay Tarriela said.
Today, the @coastguardph deployed the PCG Cessna Caravan 2081 in Palawan to carry out an MDA flight. Following the operation, it was confirmed that the two navigational buoys in Balagtas and Julian Felipe Reefs, which had been previously reported as removed, were still in their… pic.twitter.com/F2NXyMRQ8M
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) June 6, 2023
“The PCG’s successful mission in Palawan is a reminder of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Philippine waters,” he added.
Over the weekend, PCG Spokesperson Read Admiral Armand Balilo confirmed that 8 of the 10 buoys in the West Philippine Sea are intact following reports that the buoys have been removed.
The PCG placed more buoys on May 15 in Patag Island, Balagtas Reef, Kota Island, Panata Island, and Julian Felipe Reef.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) installs additional buoys in the Kalayaan Island Group, May 2023. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) installs additional buoys in the Kalayaan Island Group, May 2023.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) installs additional buoys in the Kalayaan Island Group, May 2023. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) installs additional buoys in the Kalayaan Island Group, May 2023. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) installs additional buoys in the Kalayaan Island Group, May 2023. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) installs additional buoys in the Kalayaan Island Group, May 2023. (Photo courtesy of PCG)READ MORE: Buoys carrying PH flag installed in Kalayaan Island Group
The buoys were installed to guide Filipino fisherfolk and ships and to mark the waters as part of the country’s territory and exclusive economic zone. – gb
