THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasizes that the Philippines no longer requires the assistance of the United States and other countries when it comes to the RORE mission, particularly in Ayungin Shoal.
This statement was made by AFP Spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar in response to a question about whether the US is welcome to assist in the Philippines’ resupply mission.
‘‘Our RORE mission is for us to undertake. Aguilar further stated that it is the Philippines’ own obligation to fulfill the responsibility of safeguarding sovereignty and jurisdiction,’’ Col. Medel Aguilar Spokesperson, AFP, stated.
Aguilar noted that it is the country’s duty and obligation to ensure that environmental protection programs are implemented and to ensure the safety of those navigating in the maritime territory of the Philippines.
‘‘It is for our country to make sure that we fulfill our responsibility being bestowed with sovereign rights and jurisdiction. To ensure that we are able to harvest or benefit from the resources therein, we have to make sure that environmental protection programs are being implemented, and at the same time, we also have to ensure the safety of those who navigate in the particular area. This is our obligation,’’ according to Col. Aguilar.
AFP completes patrol operation of Philippine vessel BRP Conrado Yap in West PH Sea
Meanwhile, Col. Aguilar provided a statement regarding the recent incident where a patrol operation was conducted by a Philippine Navy vessel in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, and several vessels of the People’s Liberation Army of China were observed in the area.
According to the AFP spokesperson, the BRP Conrado Yap, or Patrol Ship 39, conducted a sovereignty patrol and passed through Bajo de Masinloc.
In that area, a Chinese vessel, 571, was also observed following the Philippine vessel.
However, there were no untoward incidents between China and the Philippines. He added that the mission of the Philippine vessel was successfully completed.
‘‘That’s what happened; there were no other incidents. There were no untoward incidents because our vessel continued its voyage, and it was not obstructed by the Chinese vessel. There was a distance of 2.7 nautical miles, which is the closest point,’’ Col. Aguilar said.
National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año previously stressed the Philippines’ right under international law to patrol the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo De Masinloc, which is within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
This is in response to the statement of the spokesperson of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army or PLA Southern Theater Command, who claimed that the Philippine warship had illegally entered waters near Bajo de Masinloc, allegedly violating China’s sovereignty.
Philippines continues legitimate operations in the West PH Sea despite China’s alleged aggressive actions
Regarding the incidents in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) between the Philippines and China, Aguilar stated that the government continues its legitimate operations. He said they will continue to conduct maritime patrols, and the rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal will also continue.
‘‘We will continue to support our government in its programs, especially in national security and national interest, and in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are always here to fulfill our mission – and we will not stop, we will not be deterred by any harassment or a condonation coming from an outside force. So, this is our commitment, and we are going to do that,’’ Col. Aguilar stated.
The Philippine Army stressed that there are all being done to protect Filipinos especially those who rely on fishing in the WPS.
