In light of sea claims, Aquino orders tighter security around archipelago

Amid unresolved territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea among several countries that include the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III has signed an order that would ensure the country’s entire archipelago would be guarded against maritime threats and other security concerns.

The President signed on Sept. 6 Executive Order No. 57 creating the National Coast Watch System (NCWS) which  will serve as the “central inter-agency mechanism for a more coordinated approach on maritime issues and maritime security operations to enhance governance of the country’s maritime domain.’’

Mr. Aquino signed the order days after returning from a five-day state visit to China where he said he and Chinese leaders had agreed to settle peacefully the dispute over territories in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In China, he said both nations wanted to preserve peace in the area, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits.

Under EO 57, maritime security operations of the government will now cover the entire archipelago. Before the Coast Watch South was tasked with covering only Southern Philippines.

“In issuing EO 57, the President emphasizes the government’s firm commitment to prioritize maritime security in the country, especially in the face of maritime challenges and threats such as terrorism, transnational crimes, drug and firearms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, climate change, illegal fishing, marine environment degradation and other security concerns,’’ Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said in a statement.

The executive secretary will chair the newly created National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) which in turn will be in charge of “formulating strategic direction and policy guidance for the NCWS, specifically on maritime security operations and multinational and cross-border cooperation on maritime security.”

The NCWC will also take over the mandate and functions of the Commission on Maritime and Ocean Affairs, a body that was created in 2007. The new order has abolished it.

Sitting as members of the NCWC are the defense, transportation, interior, justice, energy, finance, environment and agriculture secretaries.

The new order harmonizes the policies, programs and activities on intelligence work, border control, interdiction and law enforcement of several government agencies such as the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, Ochoa said.

Under the EO, which was issued in Malacañang on Sunday, a National Coast Watch Center was created. It will be headed by the Philippine Coast Guard.

The chair of the NCWC is expected to convene the body at least twice a year or as “often as deemed necessary and appropriate.’’

The EO said there would be an initial funding of P20 million for the NCWS. The amount will come from the special account in the general fund of the Department of Energy.

But under the EO, the council and center can accept donations, contributions or grants from domestic or foreign sources subject to government accounting and auditing rules.