Legislators have backed the Philippine Coast Guard in its efforts to push for the company’s modernization, a PCG official stated Saturday.
“The Commandant [PCG Admiral] Artemio Abu has already received support from various lawmakers—senators and even congressmen—expressing their support for Coast Guard modernization and also helping us receive additional funds to sustain our patrol in the West Philippine Sea,” PCG adviser for maritime safety Commodore Jay Tarriela instructed reporters on the sidelines of the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
During the discussion board, Tarriela careworn the necessity to modernize the PCG amid Chinese aggression within the waters throughout the Philippines’ unique financial zone.
On February 6, the PCG stated a Chinese ship pointed a “military-grade” laser gentle at one among its vessels, BRP Malapascua, close to Ayungin Shoal.
The laser-pointing incident prompted the Philippines to lodge a diplomatic protest towards China.
Defending its coast guard’s motion, Beijing accused the PCG vessel of intruding into the waters off Ren’ai Reef (Ayungin) “without Chinese permission.” China just about claims the South China Sea in its entirety.
Tarriela stated the PCG wants funds for infrastructure, similar to berthing areas.
“We do not have our own headquarters… these are the priorities that we need to have under the leadership of our commandant,” he stated.
“Secondly, berthing spaces where the Philippine Coast Guard can put multi-billion peso assets,” he added.
The PCG official stated the Coast Guard wants a modernization regulation “so we can program those acquisitions, heighten our patrol, and build our radars.” — VBL, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
