House minority leader Danilo Suarez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez has expressed support to the country’s plans of requesting for assistance from the United States in the form of its spy planes to monitor movements in the West Philippine Sea.
“Personally, I support and welcome any kind of aide that gives our territorial boundaries decent protection,” he said, pertaining to President Benigno Aquino III’s idea of requesting the US government to deploy its spy planes in the disputed area.
Suarez said that US aide in the form of air surveillance would come handy, pointing out that individuals from nearby countries may be poaching in the country’s waters without the government’s knowledge.
“Spy planes can monitor and cover the whole coastline,” he said, explaining that authorities will be able to immediately spot poachers on Philippines’ territory through air surveillance.
Suarez also said that he saw nothing wrong if the country sought assistance from its ally in intensifying its security.
“If we don’t come up with a deliberate move we will further be stumped by these people,” said the lawmaker, adding that weak nations were often subjected to abuse.
Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy Party-list Representative Pastor Alcover Jr. echoed Suarez’s statement, saying “asking for support from allies like the US, para sa atin rin yan. We need allies and we’ve established a long relationship with the US.”