Western Command orders increased monitoring activities in Tubbataha

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): Western Command orders increased monitoring activities in Tubbataha

The Western Command (Wescom) Headquarters here has ordered the increase of monitoring and patrolling activities in the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) following the grounding of a Sino fishing vessel on the North Atoll.

Major Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commanding general of the Wescom, said intensifying security in the area is in support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) recent move against foreign encroachment in the Sulu Sea, which is well within the territorial waters of the country.

He said it is also in support of the TRNP and the request of the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) after the grounding of the USS Guardian, and now the Chinese fishing vessel with bow number 63168.

Guerrero said despite scanty assets, the military in Palawan can defend the sovereignty of the Philippines with the support of residents who will be vigilant against foreign intrusions.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Palawan District has moved the 12 crewmen of the Sino fishing vessel in Puerto Princesa via BRP Romblon, which is expected to arrive here anytime today.

Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista said the foreign fishers will be submitted to a medical check-up and further documentation proceedings before they are placed under the custody of the Provincial Committee on Illegal Entrants (PICE) headed by the Wescom.

He confirmed that due to lack of documents and official reasons for being inside the Philippines territorial waters in the Sulu Sea, they will be assisting authorities in filing charges for violation of the Fisheries Law and illegal entry.

The grounding of the Chinese fishing vessel in the Tubbataha is the second this year following the USS Guardian on January 17.

More than a week ago, the last part of the former minesweeper was successfully uprooted by the Task Force Tubbataha (TFT) off the South Atoll of the TRNP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514968