THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday told a group planning a Christmas convoy to the West Philippine Sea to secure a special permit from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for its plan.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), also told the group Atin Ito to ensure the seaworthiness of boats it will use in the gift-giving activity for troops assigned in the disputed area.
“They need to seek permission from the Maritime Industry Authority to allow them to
Tarriela said the PCG is mandated to enforce safety regulations related to maritime safety.
“We have to make sure they all have those necessary documents that came from MARINA allowing them to sail,” he said.
The group initially wanted to deliver the Christmas gifts to troops at Ayungin Shoal but was discouraged by the National Security Council. Chinese vessels have harassed military resupply missions to the shoal in the past months.
Atin Ito later agreed to deliver the gifts to troops stationed at eight other Philippine-occupied features in the WPS and fishermen in the area. It will turn over the Christmas gifts intended for troops at Ayungin Shoal to the military at Pag-asa Island — the last stop of the convoy. The military will then bring the gifts to the soldiers at Ayungin during routine resupply missions.
Tarriela said the PCG will escort the convoy to ensure the safety of individuals joining the caravan. He did not say how many PCG vessels will be tapped to secure the convoy.
“We have the mandate to ensure maritime safety at sea so the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan… has already expressed his commitment to deploy vessels to ensure the safety of those who will participate in this Christmas caravan,” said Tarriela.
While the PCG welcomes the caravan, Tarriela said the group should consider the possibility of handing the gifts to the PCG or to the Armed Forces for distribution to the troops in WPS.
“We would appreciate if they will bring these to the nearest AFP units or to the Coast Guard and allow the Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to bring those gifts (to the troops at WPS) so they won’t be stressed and their lives won’t be put at risk,” said Tarriela.
“For those people who are determined to join the civil society in their efforts to really conduct a Christmas caravan going to those areas that we are occupying, we are also happy with such initiative but we really have to be mindful of our safety,” he added.
