'No need to seek permission from China to get investors'

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) yesterday maintained that the Philippines does not need to seek permission from China to invite investors to conduct exploration activities in two offshore areas in the West Philippine Sea.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin noted that the areas being offered for exploration firms are within the jurisdiction of the country.

“The oil exploration (sites) are within our territorial limits. Why should we seek permission from anyone? Kung atin, atin (If it’s ours, it’s ours),” Gazmin told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Gazmin does not expect tensions to erupt because of the Philippines’ invitation to exploration firms.

“If they get angry, we cannot control their emotions but then, we still stick to the fact that these are within our territory, it is ours. As the President said, what is ours is ours. That’s very definite,” he said.

Gazmin said security forces would continue to conduct patrols in the area to ensure the safety of investors.

“We are doing everything we can to protect what is ours,” the defense chief said.

“The investors won’t come here if they are not assured of their safety,” he added.

The military also expressed readiness to secure companies that would explore possible fuel deposits in areas within the West Philippine Sea.

“It is clear in our mandate that we should protect the people and the state, not only Filipino citizens but also citizens visiting the country,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.

Burgos was asked if the military is capable of protecting investors that would conduct exploration activities in areas being claimed by China.

“We will provide security when it is needed so long as there is coordination and if it is within the law. Proper coordination should be made with the proper agencies,” he said.

On Monday, Energy Secretary Jose Almendras said they have invited foreign investors to explore possible fuel deposits in two areas in the West Philippine Sea.

He said two of the 15 areas being offered to exploration firms are northwest of Palawan and are within Philippine territory.

Almendras said exploration contracts may be awarded to some firms next month. The Foreign Affairs department would handle the diplomatic issues related to the matter, he added.

Reacting to Almendras’ statement, China claimed that it has sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and its adjacent waters.