Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said that they are just waiting for the government’s go signal to start patrolling Benham Rise
Credit: fis-net.com / MANILA BULLETIN
In an interview, Air Force Spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that the AFP is very much ready to heed to any directive to be given by President Rodrigo Duterte with regard to the country’s claim on the area.
“We are just awaiting the green light from government for the AFP to start the patrol and mapping survey at Benham Rise,” Padilla said.
Padilla said the AFP is very much ready to guard and patrol Benham Rise which is part of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Padilla said the AFP also has the capability to conduct the mapping survey to further check the area’s rich mineral resources.
Padilla said the Philippine Navy will be the one to conduct the mapping survey while Philippine Air Force (PAF) has the capability to conduct aerial surveys.
“Our mandate based on our Constitution is very clear and that is we are obligated to protect our citizens all over the country. We are also mandated under the Constitution to guard our territory, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Padilla said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said that they are not discounting the possibility of conducting its own survey of Benham Rise to check on the resources of the area.
Lorenzana said as far as he is concerned, Benham Rise is rich with resources, especially of fish species which can benefit the country.
He added that the issue on Benham Rise was tackled during Monday night’s Cabinet Security Cluster Meeting presided by President Duterte.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/03/18/afp-ready-to-patrol-conduct-mapping-survey-in-benham-rise/
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