Plan to let US troops guard Tubbata hit

Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya on Wednesday opposed the proposal of  President Benigno Aquino III to tap US troops to guard Tubbataha reef to avoid grounding of ships in the area.

"His proposal is politically insane, morally ridiculous and patently unpatriotic," Pamalakaya vice chairperson Salvador France said.

France said instead of pursuing this proposal, the president should press the criminal and other appropriate  charges against US navy officials and the 79-crew member of USS Guardian.

President Aquino on Tuesday had welcomed the idea of deploying a US Navy led “Peace Corps-type” volunteers to help guard the Tubbataha Reef.

He said the volunteers who would be under the command of US Navy would not only guard the reef but also help in rehabilitation efforts and ensure that no sea vessel would run aground in the area again.

Aquino said the proposal came from US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas.