The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it
is more than ready to secure the Australian-Filipino consortium which is
planning to drill a new exploratory well in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"That area (is within) our exclusive economic zone so
any exploration must be protected by our navy. It's incumbent upon us to
protect the activity," Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office
chief, said.
The consortium will commence drilling on August 1.
Detoyato said the AFP will deploy the Navy to secure the
project but did not give further details for security reasons.
"As long as it is within Philippines
And when asked whether the AFP is expecting the Chinese to
harass the consortium, Detoyato said:"We don't expect any but we are
prepared."
Reports indicate that the oil exploration project will be
conducted off the coast of Zambales, but in an area that is not part of the
disputed area of the West Philippine Sea .
As this develops, the AFP public affairs chief welcomed the
maritime surveillance flight conducted by a P-8A Poseidon aircraft of the US
Navy with Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Scott Swift on board.
"I'm sure it will help us more . . . it will give us
more on information because there will be info sharing on whatever they will
observe, all activities in the area," Detoyato said.
"They are sending a good message that they are also
concerned about the security situation in the area. Depending on the point of
view where you're coming from, from our point of view it is a good gesture
because somebody is concerned with our concerns," he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784636
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