‘Soldiers in Spratlys committed to protect Phl territory’

MANILA, Philippines - Troops stationed in the Spratlys are in high spirits and are committed to protect the country’s territory  despite President Aquino’s suspension of construction work.

Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the military’s re-supply and logistics run including the transport of troops will continue.

“We are known as resilient people,” he said. “Our soldiers can continue performing their mandate with the current equipment and facilities that they have.”  

During the budget hearing at the Senate last week, defense officials said Aquino had ordered the suspension of construction work to avoid affecting the Philippines’ claim before an international arbitration tribunal.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Peter Galvez said the government is maintaining “a moral high ground” in deciding to maintain the status quo in the Philippine-occupied areas.

“We have always maintained that all parties involved in the issue do all they can to ease tensions in the West Philippine Sea such as maintaining the status quo in all the islands,” he said. “We will follow this track for as long as needed to ease tensions and avoid any miscalculation.” 

A project put on hold was the repair of the dilapidated airstrip in Pagasa. Cabunoc said the suspension of the airstrip’s repair will make the  military continue using naval assets for the re-supply operations.

“There are also instances wherein the Naval Air Group is tasked to drop supplies when necessary.” 

Last year, the Philippines contested China’s territorial claim before an international tribunal of the United Nations as “exaggerated” and contrary to international law.

The Philippines has also called on China to desist from unlawful activities that violate its sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

China has ignored the Philippines’ protests and insisted that the dispute be settled through bilateral negotiations.

China has built a garrison in Panganiban (Mischief) Reef off Palawan.

It is believed to be undertaking reclamation in Mabini (Johnson South) Reef, Calderon (Cuarteron) and Gaven Reefs, all within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Palawan contributions

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has acknowledged the contributions of Palawan, one of the “frontline” provinces in the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, in exercising the country’s sovereign rights.

Speaking Friday at the 2nd Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea issue in Puerto Princesa, DFA spokesman Charles Jose said special kapihans will be held throughout the rest of the year and in 2015 to complement the DFA’s nationwide campaign to raise the level of awareness and understanding of ordinary Filipinos of the West Philippine Sea issue.

“We would like to tell our countrymen here in Palawan that they are in the frontline of the issue on the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

“We know that you are feeling the tension. We would like to tell you that the government is doing everything possible to resolve the dispute in the West Philippine Sea by peaceful means.” 

The DFA and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) organized the special kapihan. Members of the media in Palawan and local government representatives were present at the briefing.

It is the second in the series of special kapihans to be held throughout the country. The first special kapihan was held in Olongapo City on Sept. 12.

The DFA hopes that increasing public awareness would translate to greater support for the government’s policies on the issue.

Jose also was guest in television and radio programs where he discussed updates on the West Philippine Sea.

Throughout his media engagements, Jose acknowledged the vital role of public information officers and the media in disseminating information regarding the West Philippine Sea and in rallying public support.

Jose met with Rear Adm. Alexander Lopez, the new commander of Armed Forces Western Command, in WESCOM headquarters in Camp General Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa.

During the meeting, they apprised each other on the latest developments on the West Philippine Sea issue and discussed ways to further disseminate information to the public. – With Pia Lee-Brago