Hontiveros to DOTr: Commend PCG officers who drove away foreign vessels in WPS

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to commend Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel who were able to successfully drive away foreign vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

“Congratulations are in order for the PCG personnel who bravely stood up for our sovereign rights. These acts of bravery should not go unnoticed. Hindi madali ang obligasyong ito, kaya’t sana mabigyan sila ng parangal para sa bawat pagtindig,” she said.

The PCG’s BRP Cabra reportedly issued a radio challenge to five Chinese ships and two Vietnamese ships that were spotted in Marie Louise Bank in the West Philippine Sea.

PCG spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said a female radio operator used a Long Range Acoustic Device to conduct the radio challenge, which drove away the seven foreign vessels.

“Nakakaproud na buong tapang na naitaboy ng Pilipinong barko ang mga dayuhang ilegal na nakikipagsapalaran sa sarili nating karagatan,” Hontiveros said.

“We need to be able to regularly and continuously give commendations so as to encourage more officers to steadfastly defend and protect our seas and our people,” she said.

In May this year, Chinese vessels also dispersed from Sabina Shoal in the WPS, after the PCG issued a radio challenge for being in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Hontiveros also said these radio challenges only go to show that the Philippines can assert our ownership of the WPS without resorting to war.

“Hindi kailangang humantong sa giyera ang pagdepensa at pagprotekta natin ng WPS. Ang magigiting nating opisyal sa PCG ay mismong patunay na maaari tayong manindigan nang hindi nagiging marahas at malupit,” she said.

“Considering the heightened tensions in the disputed waters, official commendation should be given to our officers. It’s the least we can do for those who serve on the frontlines of our national security,” Hontiveros said.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)