US Pacific command chief vows to maintain regional stability

UNITED States Pacific Command chief Admiral Harry Harris wrapped up his visit to the Philippines with a stop at the Western Command in Palawan, the province nearest to the country’s claims in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“He said they will be rooting for regional peace and stability. Ayaw din nila magkagulo dun in whatever form,” Wescom chief Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez said on Thursday.

Lopez said he was pleased with Harris’ visit, adding that they both met at the Shangri-La Dialogue last May.

“He just assumed as PACOM at that time, and I told him, if he wanted an area familiarization, maybe he could visit me at the Wescom. And this is it….I am happy and he was given honors. I gave him a briefing what Wescom does. It was a friendly visit. We also had exchange gifts,” he said.

Harris is in the Philippines for a three-day visit and Palawan was his last stop.

On Wednesday, he met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri at Camp Aguinaldo where they discussed security matters.

During the meeting, Harris vowed to help the Philippines in terms of intelligence sharing.

Harris also met with National Coast Watch Council Undersecretary Jose Alano on the same day and he also paid a visit to President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañang.

The US has repeatedly emphasized that it does not take any sides in the sea dispute. The Philippines is one of the claimants along with other nations Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia.

China claims most parts of the sea and has been building artificial islands in at least seven reefs of the disputed sea in recent months.

AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla, quoting Iriberri, said the visit was a “great opportunity to further enhance a long lasting and enduring alliance.”

“It was also in furtherance of a collective effort at ensuring regional security and stability as well as leveling of expectations,” he added.