The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declared that it is more than prepared to secure the Australian-Filipino consortium which is planning to drill another exploratory well in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Armed Forces of the Philippines, Public Affairs Office Chief , Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said, that “the territory is inside of our exclusive economic zone so any exploration must be protected by our naval forces. It’s incumbent upon us to protect the activity.”
The AFP will deploy the Navy to secure the project yet did not give further points of interest for security reasons. Detoyato said.
“As long as it is within Philippines waters, our Navy will secure those who are involved in economic activities,” he added.
What’s more, when asked whether the AFP is anticipating that the Chinese might harass the consortium, Detoyato said:”We don’t expect any but we are prepared.”
Reports demonstrate that the oil exploration project will be directed off the shore of Zambales, yet in a territory that is not a part of the disputed area of the West Philippine Sea.
As this develops, the AFP public affairs chief welcomed the maritime reconnaissance flight led by a P-8A Poseidon aircraft of the US Navy with Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift on load up.
Detoyato said that, “I’m certain it will help us more . . . it will give us more on data in light of the fact that there will be information sharing on whatever they will observe, all activities in the area.”
“They are sending a good message that they are likewise worried about the security circumstance in the area. Contingent upon the perspective what kind of position you’re keeping on this issue, from our perspective it is a decent signal on the grounds that someone is concerned with our worries,” he focused.
On August 1 the consortium will now begin its oil drilling.
very good..
The Chinese style PROPAGANDA will be discovere from this action…
Some says the Philippines might fail into the decision of International Arbitration Court…The decision might be for China…It is very unbeilivable. Very practical..The Chinese never insist to face to that court..There side is already closed not to get involve with its decision. So how should the International Arbitration respect the Chinese for that…The International Arbitrtion court is composed of all the United Nation…
Any ruling from the tribunal would not be accepted by the Chinese, they said. That is a great error of the Chinese leadership. They can not raise any favorable ruling in the future. If they do, then they would be viewed as a double speaking nation that could not be trusted. They would also lose any moral ground to pursue their ambition to lead a world order. Morality may not be an issue to the Chinese leadership, but no nation can systematically lead a world order without any perception of trust and confidence to follow rules which they agreed upon.
Everything going on so far so good for the PHilippines and any freedom loving nation on the face of the earth.