The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday mentioned resupply missions within the nation’s unique financial zone would proceed regardless of threats and harassment from China.
“Mayroon po tayong exclusive economic zone (EEZ), at dapat ang mga Pilipino, lalo na ‘yung mga fisherfolks ay malayang makapunta dito para makapangisda,” AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. mentioned in a “24 Oras” interview with Joseph Morong.
After efficiently resupplying the BRP Sierra Madre on Tuesday, the BRP Laguna was anticipated to reach at Pag-asa Island on Friday night.
“Ang importante kasi ay malagyan natin ng presensya yung mga islands na ito,” mentioned Brawner.
Aside from the troopers stationed within the space, the residents of Pag-asa Island additionally depend on the resupply missions. However, the resupply missions couldn’t be carried out abruptly as there weren’t sufficient ships.
“Hangang-hanga kami sa mga sundalo natin na nadito, sa mga nine na occupied islands. Mahirap po yung buhay nitla at mapanganib din ang mga ginagawa ng ating mga sundalo at coast guard na nagdadla ng supply,” Brawner mentioned.
He added that the resupply missions would proceed within the areas occupied and managed by the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Pag-asa Island residents hoped the federal government would assist them have extra amenities, like a hospital.
An August 5 Philippine resupply mission was not accomplished after Chinese ships used water cannons on the Philippine boats.
After the Philippines accomplished the resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre on the Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian mentioned China allowed the humanitarian mission.
On Wednesday, a radio trade between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) occurred close to the Sabina Shoal, 248 kilometers from Palawan, and earlier than reaching Ayungin Shoal, 315 kilometers away from Palawan.
Both areas are nicely inside the EEZ of the Philippines.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Ayungin is a part of the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ.
In July 2016, based mostly on a case filed by the Philippines, the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague junked China’s nine-dash line declare masking the whole South China Sea, together with the West Philippine Sea.
China has refused to acknowledge the ruling. — Sherylin Untalan/DVM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
