Sunday, May 26, 2013

Govt to continue pushing rules-based approach in resolving new tension in West PHL Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (May 25): Govt to continue pushing rules-based approach in resolving new tension in West PHL Sea

The Philippine government will stick to using diplomatic solution in resolving the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea with the renewed tensions in the Ayungin Shoal, a Palace official said on Saturday.

The Dept. of Foreign Affairs said the current maritime tensions can lead to conflict in the disputed areas particularly with the armed patrols of China.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Saturday that the government will adhere to a rules-based approach in finding a peaceful solution to the problem.

“We’ve not changed our stance, if you notice in the disputes, in the maritime disputes that we’ve had in the past years, and it’s deliberate,” Valte said.

“We’ve chosen not to respond to provocative statements and provocative actions that may not be productive for the path that we’ve chosen to take. So deliberate ‘yung choices natin, na mapayapa ang ating pagdadaanan dito.”

Asked if there’s a need for the President to convene the National Security Council or a full Cabinet meeting because of the Chinese incursions, Valte said the Aquino administration feels that there is no need for such a meeting at this time.

Given the capacity and capability of the country to deal with the problem, Valte said the President is firm in continuing to deal with the issue given the limited resources that the Philippines has at present.

“Ang sabi ng Pangulo is that so far, we’re dealing with it on the level that is effective for us,” he said.

To address the problem of Filipino fishermen affected by the tension, Valte said they are asking the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources about any possible assistance the government can extend to the fishermen.

“In-assure naman tayo ng BFAR na una daw tinutulungan nilang maghanap ng iba pang lugar na puwede pangisdaan; at pangalawa, existing pa rin ‘yung mga payao na sinet up (set up) natin. Malapit ito sa pampang, para naman hindi sila kailangang lumabas at lumayo palaot,” she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=527834

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