Malacaῆang lauded on Monday (July 19) the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) recent move to drive away a Chinese naval vessel at the Marie Louise Bank in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG reported that BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) had monitored a naval warship carrying the Chinese flag in the area on July 13. PCG personnel issued a radio challenge against the foreign ship to leave the area.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told President Rodrigo Duterte that China’s move to leave the country’s waters without causing a ruckus is due to improved ties between the two countries.
“Siguro kasama na rin diyan ‘yung mabuting relasyon natin ngayon sa China na ayaw nilang madistorbo,” Roque said.
According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the naval ship heeded the PCG’s call because it was already in an uncontested area near Palawan.
“Ang suspetsa ko po ay kaya sila umalis ay napakalapit na nila sa Palawan eh, and hindi na contested, sa atin iyon eh. Pangalawa, parang ayaw na nila magkaroon ng insidente diyan involving their naval ships,” he said.
Duterte said it has become “very easy” for China to leave upon the Philippines’ suggestion, adding that the country will continue to maintain its good ties with other countries.
In line with this, the Chief Executive said they have yet to decide on the extension of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States. The government extended anew for six months in June the suspension of VFA abrogation.
“Ang extension niyan is on deck, on the table. Ngayon, gusto ko lang makiusap, makipagsalita o makipag-ugnayan, or I just want to talk to some people in Washington, be it from the Office of the President or the state department or the defense department,” he said.
Meanwhile, Duterte hit back at former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario following the latter’s accusations regarding Duterte’s win during the 2016 elections.
“Kapag nasilip ko lang na mayroon ka, I will charge you for — marami akong idedemanda sa ‘yo… Ikaw ang hahabulin ko kasi ikaw ang nag-transmit sa message. You are, in olden times, kung at war lang tayo sana, you are guilty of treason,” he said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-rir
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