PCG cannot readily deploy ships to Panatag shoal without orders from higher ups

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 27): PCG cannot readily deploy ships to Panatag shoal without orders from higher ups

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday said it cannot just deploy ships to the disputed West Philippine Sea since the problem there has diplomatic implications that need to be addressed by proper Philippine authorities.

“We cannot have an outright deployment of PCG ships to West Philippine Sea because the issue here is with diplomatic implications. Let the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) handle it,” said PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo.

Balilo said this in reaction to a statement made by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin who suggested that the involvement of the PCG in the disputed waters is needed so as to maintain a “white-on-white response” which will not heighten the tension.

"White-on-white" refers to the deployment of civilian law enforcement vessels to shadow or survey activities of similar craft done to prevent tensions from escalating as it usually happens when a Navy ship is deployed.

Balilo said the PCG will abide by the orders of any duly constituted authority should there be a need to deploy their ships to Panatag Shoal.

“We receive orders from Malacanang thru the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) secretary if there will deployment of ships to Panatag Shoal or not. If there are orders, we have two or three ships which are always ready for deployment,” he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) fired water cannons on Filipino fishermen in a bid to drive them away from the shoal which is claimed by the Chinese.

The AFP sees no need for a military response to the CCG’s water cannon attack.

"The incident is alarming, however, we do not (believe that this) merits a military response," said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the AFP public information office chief.

"It is a concern that merits further discussion on how to deal with such situations, that's why it’s very important that there is a code of conduct that must be agreed upon by all claimants to avoid incidents such as this," Zagala added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=620596