Tubbataha management: No timetable for USS Guardian removal

From GMA News (Jan 23): Tubbataha management: No timetable for USS Guardian removal

Citing weather conditions there, caretakers of Tubbataha Reef are not keen on imposing a timetable for the removal of the grounded US minesweeper USS Guardian from the area. Angelique Songco, superintendent of the Tubbataha Management Office, said on Wednesday they do not want to endanger the lives of crews tasked to get the vessel out of the site. "(L)ahat naman ay handa na. Naroon ang bapor, tugboats, naroon na lahat. Yun na lang panahon, kung papayagan sila makakilos doon. Kasi pag ipilit baka may involve na buhay. so nag-iingat talaga nang mabuti sila," Songco said in an interview on dzBB radio. The USS Guardian ran aground at Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17 amid bad weather conditions.

Winds, big waves

On Tuesday, former PAGASA forecaster and GMA News resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz warned of winds and big waves from the northeast monsoon possibly affecting operations to remove the vessel. Earlier on Wednesday, PAGASA forecaster Buddy Javier also indicated big waves may affect such operations. However, Songco noted that as of Wednesday morning, the weather condition in the Tubbataha area appeared to be better than last Jan. 17, when the USS Guardian ran aground. "Tipong gumaganda naman kaunti ang panahon kesa noong 17. so we are hoping maalis na siya," she said.

Violations of PHL law

Meanwhile, Songco said her office will serve the US Navy with a formal notice listing violations of Philippine law. She said her office is not so keen on getting the US Navy to explain its actions as to have it pay the penalties for its violation. Songco said the fine is not so much about the money but making sure the Philippine government can enforce its laws. "This is about panindigan din. Sino ang maniniwala sa iyo kung batas di mo maipatupad?" she said.

In a statement, the Tubbataha Reefs Management Board said it will ask the US Navy to "take responsibility, and immediately pay the fines that can be estimated at this time." It said the violations that are evident at this time, include (http://tubbatahareef.org/news/624):

• Section 19, unauthorized entry
• Section 21, non-payment of conservation fee
• Section 30, obstruction of law enforcement officer

It also cited Section 20, damages to the reef, and Section 26G, destroying resources.

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