Lacson explores possibilities to keep civilians, soldiers safe in WPS

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan—Insofar as Partido Reporma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is concerned, the art of diplomacy must still reign supreme when it comes to dealing with issues concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Citing his own personal observations following his visit to Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan over the weekend, Lacson maintained that one of the best ways for the Philippines to defend its own territorial integrity is to create a ‘balance of power’ in the region.

By aligning ourselves with other nations that support freedom of navigation over the disputed waters of WPS, Lacson believes it could refrain China from bullying its weaker neighbors, which are trying to exercise maritime rights in their respective exclusive economic zones (EEZ).

“Common fishing ground, tapos common possession, ’yun ang pinag-uusapan diyan. Pero para i-bully mo ‘yung kapitbahay mo na para paalisin mo doon sa kanila mismong teritoryo, like the Ayungin Shoal, sa akin (that’s unacceptable),” he told Palawan-based reporters Saturday.

(There has to be a common fishing ground, common possession, that is what is being discussed. But for one country to bully its neighbor and drive its people away from their own territory, like the Ayungin Shoal, to me that’s unacceptable).

The presidential aspirant was referring to the water cannon attack made by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against the unarmed local commercial ships trying to resupply Filipino soldiers manning the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal last November 16.

Lacson recognized that China is a force to reckon with in terms of its military might and economic influence. A direct confrontation, therefore, would only put our country on the losing end so we need to build a strong alliance with other nations that could rival its strength.

“Hindi natin kaya talaga mag-isa na i-confront ‘yung China. So, hihingi tayo ng tulong sa mga malalakas na bansa (We cannot confront China alone. So, we will seek the help of other powerful countries),” he noted.

In this light, Lacson welcomed stronger statements issued by our Western allies like the United States, for example, against the recent Chinese aggressions and in defense of our government’s position with respect to the WPS.

The veteran lawmaker mentioned that the US is even exploring the possibility of reinforcing its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines to help protect its borders and avert similar intrusive attacks in the future.

“Gusto nilang (US) i-enhance (pa ‘yung EDCA) including funding requirements. Sa tingin ko medyo nagiging agresibo nang kaunti ‘yung United States pagdating sa usapin sa West Philippine Sea, which is a good indication,” according to Lacson.

(The US wants to further enhance EDCA including funding requirements. I think the United States is becoming a little more aggressive when it comes to the West Philippine Sea issue, which is a good indication.)

EDCA is a bilateral pact designed to supplement the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement between the US and the Philippines to strengthen the fabric of peace in the Pacific region. It was signed in Manila on April 28, 2014.

US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said on Friday (November 19) that his country is standing with its longtime ally, the Philippines, amid the recent escalation of regional tensions in the West Philippine Sea over the Ayungin Shoal incident.

Price agreed that the actions of the Chinese Coast Guard directly threatened peace and stability in the region and infringed upon the freedom of navigation among stakeholder nations as guaranteed under international law.

Lacson vowed to contribute towards the resolution of these recurring national security issues that constantly put the general welfare of Filipinos at risk in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation.

He indicated plans to provide for better defensive capabilities for the members of the military guarding our islands and territorial waters over the WPS, as well as for the livelihood, housing and education of civilian Filipinos residing in the coastal village of Pag-asa Island.

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