WESCOM: No plan yet to augment military presence

From the Philippine News Agency (May 24): WESCOM: No plan yet to augment military presence

The Western Command (WESCOM) is not moving to amplify its current military force in the contested West Philippines Sea despite the admission by its higher headquarters that numerous Chinese vessels believed to be owned by its naval force have been spotted near Ayungin Shoal.

Lt. Cheryl Tindog said the Armed Forces of the Philippines has not instructed WESCOM to augment its strength in the contested region regardless of the information from Kalayaan Mayor Joel Bito-onon that he was harassed by two vessels he believes to be owned by the Chinese navy.

“According to the higher headquarters there is no need to add forces in the area we claimed, particularly in the West Philippines Sea,” she said.

What was ordered was for the WESCOM to sustain its monitoring and patrolling in the area to ensure that no harassment will be done again to any Filipino sailing the Philippines exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“This is what we’re exactly doing in the area,” Tindog said, since reports about Chinese vessels sighting came out.

She said the WESCOM is supportive of the “government’s diplomatic action regarding the presence of the Chinese navy vessels in the disputed island chain.

“At this point, what we can do best is to support the government in its desire to pacify the situation in the area. Let us be patient that something positive will be done,” she said.

Meanwhile, a ranking Philippine Air Force officer at the 570th Composite Tactical Wing said their aerial patrolling has not seen any pre-fabricated structure or others that the Chinese are building on Ayungin.

He said their regular aerial surveys are exactly meant to ensure that if any construction is being done on the controversial shoal, they would be able to make immediate reports to the AFP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=527642