Repair work in Pagasa Island could violate DOC -- DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): Repair work in Pagasa Island could violate DOC -- DND chief

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Friday said the country might not be able to repair existing facilities at Pagasa Island as doing so might violate the Declaration of Conduct which the Philippines is a signatory.

This is despite earlier announcements made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

"That's okay but we need to bring the building materials (in Pagasa) and in order to (do) that, we need to built a pier where ships can unload their cargoes, and that is not allowed in the DOC," Gazmin said in Filipino.

The Philippines has an airstrip, which needs repair in the above-mentioned island.

As stated in the DOC between China and ASEAN which was signed in 2002, signatories are prohibited from constructing new facilities in the disputed areas and exercise self restraint.

 

Gazmin said constructing a pier will violate the DOC. And flying the materials needed for the upgrading and repairs of facilities in Pagasa Island is very expensive.

 

"We cannot repair because the construction materials will be coming from the outside, getting inside, will be by aircraft it will be very very expensive and very impractical," the DND chief noted.

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