Aquino won’t send Navy ships to disputed sea

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III is against sending Navy ships to disputed areas in West Philippine Sea even after Filipino fishermen were driven away by the Chinese coast guard in Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc).

“The President’s position remains the same. The last thing you want in a highly-charged environment is to have an incendiary situation that can lead to violence,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte explained when asked if the Philippine Navy will be ordered to patrol the area.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that on April 9 the Chinese coast guard fired water cannon to drive away around 80 Filipino fishermen from Panatag Shoal, which is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China has been claiming that area as part of its territory in South China Sea.

READ: Chinese shoo away Filipino fishermen’s boats | Gov’t confirms Chinese vessel drove away PH fishermen from Panatag Shoal

However, the Philippine government has repeatedly insisted that it is pursuing a diplomatic and rules-based approach when it comes to territorial disputes in South China Sea.

Recent reports also said China has allegedly been building an airstrip in Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef), also within the EEZ of the Philippines.

Valte said the President has already directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense (DND) to respond to the incident in Panatag Shoal.

“We will assess our next step based on the considerations of Foreign Affairs as well as the Department of National Defense,” she said, after reminding media that the government will pursue a diplomatic and legal track.

No NSC

Despite such incidents, Valte said the Aquino does not find it necessary to convene the National Security Council.

“We have dealt with other national security-related issues as well as other matters through the mechanism of the security cluster,” she said, referring to the President’s Cabinet.

“If you also notice, the President likes to work in small groups because he believes that this particular method is more effective,” she added.

Valte said Aquino also consults with officials on an “individual basis.”

“it is not uncommon for him to reach out to other experts or other persons, but not within the context of an NSC meeting,” she said.

The NSC is an advisory body tasked to coordinate and integrate plans and policies affecting national security. It is chaired by the President and composed of the Vice President, the executive secretary and the secretaries of the following agencies: foreign affairs, national defense, justice, labor and employment, local government. Other members include the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Security director and other officials and private citizens designated by the President.