NAVY chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci yesterday said the Navy has stepped up patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in the South China Sea where China has become aggressive in its territorial claims.
On the sidelines of a maritime security symposium in Taguig City, Adaci said the Navy continues to monitor the presence “of the other side” in the area, apparently referring to China.
“That has always been the policy of our Navy, through our operational commands. We do regular patrols,” said Adaci, adding the AFP Western Command is supervising these patrols.
“We’re continuously conducting patrols there (in the WPS)… I think we have improved the frequency of our patrols. We have enhanced it,” Adaci also said.
The Philippines is occupying nine features in the WPS, the largest of which is Pag-asa Island — the seat of government of Kalayaan town in Palawan. The island is about 280 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City, also in Palawan.
Asked how often the Navy is conducting patrols in the WPS, Adaci said: “I can’t give you the exact figure but I can say that we have increased the tempo, our operational commands have increased the tempo of patrols,” said Adaci.
Adaci said the intensified patrols in the WPS “has better served overall the maritime security posture in the area.”
Asked what prompted the increased patrols, Adaci said the military needs to protect the country’s territory.
Without specifically mentioning their country origin, Adaci said “foreign vessels” remain in the area.
“The same, we still see the presence of foreign vessels but we give it to our sailors because they continue to perform their mandate, patrolling the area even if the presence of the other side is there,” said Adaci.
About two weeks ago, the PCG spotted over a hundred Chinese maritime vessels at the unoccupied Julian Felipe Reef during a routine maritime patrol.
Last month, a China Coast Guard vessel also conducted a dangerous maneuver against a PCG vessel during the patrol near the Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal. Fortunately, the PCG vessel successfully maneuvered to avoid a potential collision.
On planned joint patrols between the Philippines and United States in the WPS, Adaci said the Navy is still awaiting “official guidance| from higher ups.
“We are ready for whatever is the instruction from higher headquarters,” he said.
On Sunday, Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez said the joint patrols may begin “no later than the third quarter of this year.”
“There is an intent to do that but then again, we will wait for official instructions,” said Adaci.
“There are no final details yet. It can be Navy to Navy, it can be Air Force to Air Force. We’ll wait for the official guidance,” he said.
Adaci said the conduct of the joint patrols was still in the “discussion, planning stage.” He could not immediately say when these discussions will be completed.
Told that Romualdez declared the joint patrols may begin no later than the third quarter of this year, Adaci said: “Yes. I also read that but again we have to wait for the official guidance.”
