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HEADLINES
Naval drills in WPS successful
By J.Lo
“MCA has successfully concluded,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad declared Philippines, United States, Japan and Australia successfully concluded joint naval exercises in West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the face of rising maritime aggression.
The four countries held their first ever Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The Department of National Defense (DND) said first ever MCA is “show of unity” to China, as Beijing is “expected” to malign exercise through propaganda.
DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said Philippines always welcomes opportunities to work with like-minded countries to further enhance capabilities of AFP and strengthen interoperability with partner nations.
“We’re just practicing what’s allowed under international law…as I said it’s show of unity…if China consider it as show of force, that’s up to them, what we’re doing is something that’s practiced by all civilized nations in the world and what’s important is we’re doing this in the name of our national interest in the Philippines…as I mentioned, what we’re getting out of this is enhancement of our capability and our interoperability with our partners,” Andolong said.
China also conducted military “combat patrols” in South China Sea (SCS), describing counterpart quad naval exercises as “creating buzzes.”
Andolong said China is expected to belittle exercise as they always do. “We already expect that they will malign through propaganda what we are doing in this MCA,” he said.
MCA aims to enhance regional maritime security cooperation among four countries, and promote freedom of navigation toward realization of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Various tactical trainings would be held including anti-submarine warfare training, tactical exercise and link exercise.
Contrary to apprehension that quad naval drills in West Philippine Sea may provoke China, Sen. Francis Tolentino said program will help realize peace and stability in the region and serve the interests of Asian giant.
“To the contrary, this would ensure stability in the region… China is not being provoked, but being made to realize that peace and stability in the region are, likewise, to serve their interests,” Tolentino said.
Sen. Bato dela Rosa said quad naval drills in WPS should push through as “China has been shamelessly making fools of us for very long time.”
“Let’s go ahead, we have to do what is right as far as we are concerned,” Dela Rosa added.
“As for the preparation, it is our right to prepare and it is our right to use EEZ even if there are conflicting claims there…there is UNCLOS ,United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea ruling for that…they must respect it don’t say that we are provoking them…they are the ones who have been provoking for a long time…but we have no match with them, so it’s better to involve bigger countries to increase our posture so we won’t always be humiliated,” Dela Rosa noted.
He continued to say that quad naval drills would help establish readiness protocols for Philippines’ cause of action if WPS conflict worsens.
“That’s good…at least other countries have shown interest big countries have shown interest in our situation in WPS,” Dela Rosa said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has transferred former anti-smuggling czar of Department of Agriculture (DA) as agency’s focal person for the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea.
Laurel issued Special Order 485 appointing Assistant Secretary James Layug as DA’s resource person for NTF-WPS, after he was replaced as head of department’s campaign against smuggling of agriculture products.
Carlos Carag, graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy in US, is officer-in-charge of Office of the Assistant Secretary for DA Inspectorate and Enforcement, replacing Layug.
Laurel also issued Special Order 486 designating Layug as head of the project management office who will act as alternative representative of DA in National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
“He will undertake coordination activities with DA implementing units, banner programs and other national government agencies on implementation, delivery of programs and projects in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas,” Laurel said.
Meanwhile, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro condemned she described as militarization of idyllic island of Batanes by US.
Castro said move is “highly deplorable” and could heighten regional tensions in SCS.
“It would also make Batanes target of attacks, as it would be forward base of US if China moves against Taiwan,” she noted.
Earlier, Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco had announced that plan was underway to construct US-funded civilian port in the province, chosen for its strategic significance and proximity to Taiwan.
Cayco claimed US Army would arrive in April to further discuss plan aims to accommodate Filipino workers from Taiwan in the event of crisis.
Castro cautioned that when this plan pushes through or “if China escalates its aggression in West Philippine Sea then we would be right smack in middle of inter-imperialist war.”
As Indo-Pacific emerges as primary theater for geopolitical activity, the region is confronted by asymmetric security challenges, particularly in maritime domain.
This includes upsurge of gray zone activities performed by aggressive and coercive actors to assert their power and influence by circumventing international law.
Gray zone activities, which stand below threshold of conflict, include illegal island building and swarming of vessels.
In the case of the Philippines, West Philippine Sea has been breeding ground for gray zone tactics. These tactics performed by Chinese Coast Guard vessels and militias threaten to disrupt rules-based order.
As part of efforts to protect and defend the country from foreign aggressors, West Philippine Sea remains at the core of foreign and security policies of the country. Since beginning of current administration, Philippines has taken proactive stance on the assertion of its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic rights in the area.
Philippines continues its pursuit of an assertive transparency strategy to increase awareness and gain public support on incidents in maritime domain.
Publication of images and videos and conduct of joint press briefings serve to combat false claims and narratives. As Philippines strengthens its implementation of this strategy, however, there is marked, unprecedented regularity and intensity of Chinese aggression as well.
For instance, firing of water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard vessels has become common practice to disrupt routine rotation and resupply missions of Philippines to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Shadowing of vessels and performing dangerous maneuvers have also been regular occurrence in the region.
These activities not only blatantly disregard well-established international laws but also undermine Philippines’ rights, endanger lives of Filipinos at sea, jeopardize livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk, and cause severe damage to marine environment.
Last month, Chinese vessels once again attempted to restrict passage of Filipino vessels in West Philippine Sea. Specifically, Chinese Coast Guard vessels blasted water cannons against Unaizah May 4, civilian vessel.
It was contracted by the government to deliver supplies to troops stationed in BRP Sierra Madre. The wooden supply boat sustained significant damage after being exposed to relentless blasting of water cannons.
The National Security Council announced four members of Philippine Navy were injured as result of the incident. Blasting of water cannons shattered windshield of civilian vessel, thereby injuring its passengers.
This prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to remark that while Philippines does not seek conflict with any nation, “we will not be cowed into silence, submission or subservience.” He announced that Philippines will not yield in light of aggressive incidents in West Philippine Sea.
Like-minded partners such as United States and Japan among others also expressed grave concern over the incident and reiterated support for Philippines.
These irresponsible and unprovoked acts of aggression demand to be called out. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. Necessary measures must be implemented to ensure incidents such as this are dealt with diplomatically and within bounds of obligations under international law.
Despite dangers accompanied by activities aimed at securing West Philippine Sea, Manila remains undeterred. Government remains unfazed, frontliners in the area remain undaunted, and resolve of Filipino nation prevails.
As we celebrate the Day of Valor next week, let us honor heroism and bravery of Filipinos. This includes both those in active service and veterans alike. Determination of our people, both civilian and uniformed, to fight for the country must be exemplified and held in high regard.
Stratbase ADR Institute commends our frontliners in West Philippine Sea for their bravery to defend what is ours. This includes our Filipino fisherfolk, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and our defense institution for standing their ground amid gray zone activities and harassment of neighbor with expansionist dream.
Task of serving, protecting, and defending the country is no easy feat but certainly a purposeful one.
ISKUP! 