The Western Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating the alleged harassment of a Filipino fisherman that was blocked by Chinese vessels near Pag-asa Island.
According to Wescom Spokesperson Stephen Penetrante, the Pag-asa detachment has not received any report regarding the harassment by a Chinese vessel in the area. They also pointed out that the Philippine Navy is present in the island, opposing the statement of the fisher, Larry Hugo, that there were no Philippine vessels present at the time of the incident.
“Mayroon po tayong detachment at mayroon din po silang maliliit na barko riyan. And, siguro po nagkataon na hindi iyon ang patrol time nila, schedule nila pero meron po tayong Wescom personnel po riyan. (We have a detachment and they have small boats there. And maybe, it was not their patrolling time or schedule, but we have a Wescom personnel there),” Penetrante reasoned.
The Wescom also assured that its personnel are ready to defend Philippine territory after China passed a law allowing its Coast Guard to use firearms against any possible threat to its territories claimed by the Chinese government.
“Dedicated po ang ating mga Navy personnel. Alam na po nila ang pagganap sa kanilang mandato… Mataas po ang dedication nila to really assert our sovereign and territorial rights sa areang ‘yan. (Our Navy personnel are dedicated. They know how to fulfill their mandate. They have strong dedication to really assert our sovereign and territorial rights in that area).”
The military insisted that the fisherfolks should not worry and go about their livelihood in the area. – Report from Bea Bernardo
