While Philippine authorities have started investigating an incident where a US warship ran aground on Tubbataha Reef, Malacañang’s main concern is ensuring the ship is pulled from the site and ensuring the damage to the reef is minimal. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also assured the public the government will implement appropriate laws once the investigating agencies submit their recommendations.
“The primary concern is extricating the ship out of the reef with minimal damage. Hindi pa natin makita ang extent hanggang makababa ang divers to check what would hopefully be very minimal damage," she said on government-run dzRB radio on Saturday.
On Thursday, the US Navy said the USS Guardian, its mine countermeasures ship, ran aground on Tubbataha Reef at 2:25 a.m. Jan. 17 while transiting the Sulu Sea.
“The Avenger-class ship had just completed a port call in Subic Bay, Olongapo City, and was en route to her next port of call when the grounding occurred,” the US Navy said.It added the ship got stuck on the reef, and the crew is working “to determine the best method of safely extracting the ship." It added that the USS Guardian, forward-deployed to Sasebo in Japan, was commissioned on Dec. 16, 1989. It has a crew of about 80.
Why was the ship there?
Amid calls for an investigation into the incident and for the US to explain why the ship was in the area, Valte said the Department of Foreign Affairs already said the concerned agencies will be conducting an investigation on how the warship ended up somewhere on Tubbataha Reef. “As we all know, world heritage site 'yan, 'di basta basta nakakapunta riyan. It’s a highly protected area," she said.
She declined to comment on reports about damaged corals. However, she said that once the investigating bodies come up with their findings, “there are laws we have to implement because it is a world heritage site.”
Spanning 97,000 hectares in the central Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is one of the most biologically diverse and productive areas in the Coral Triangle, the world’s cradle of marine life, WWF Philippines said in an article on its website.Also, it said two-thirds of the 68-meter long warship sits on corals in the protected marine area.
No report of oil spill yet
A separate report on "Balitanghali" said the USS Guardian has taken in water but the ship is compartmentalized. It also said there was no report of an oil spill yet.
For its part, the US Navy said the USS Guardian's 79 crew members were temporarily removed and safely transferred by small boat to the nearby support vessels USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62) and MSV C-Champion. "Seventh Fleet ships remain on scene and essential Guardian Sailors will continue conducting survey operations aboard the ship as needed until she is recovered," said Vice Admiral Scott Swift, US 7th Fleet commander.
"Several support vessels have arrived and all steps are being taken to minimize environmental effects while ensuring the crew's continued safety," he added. The US Navy said small boats continue to be used to transfer personnel between Guardian and Military Sealift Command ships Bowditch and C-Champion. It added it is operating in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
PHL Coast Guard sends ships
The Philippine Coast Guard ordered the deployment of their marine environmental protection vessel to the area. PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena ordered the dispatch of BRP Corregidor (AE-891) with rescue and marine environmental protection personnel.
Aside from the two rescue teams from the Coast Guard Special Operations Group (CGSOG) and another two teams from the Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM), a medical team was also dispatched to check the condition of the distressed crew members. The Coast Guard will be bringing an oil spill boom, skimmer and oil dispersant chemicals to prevent any oil spill.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy Control Craft BRP Ismael Lomibao (PG-383) left Puerto Princesa City and also went to Tubbataha Reef Management Park. It had a Coast Guard team to help in the ongoing rescue and evacuation operations of the 79 US personnel aboard.
Should be held liable
The militant umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said the latest incident involving a US warship raises more questions against the unhampered entry and the "permanent" presence of American forces in the country under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
“The violations being committed by American warships in the country through the VFA are already disturbing and our officials should have the political will to decisively make them accountable," said Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. “What was its (USS Guardian) mission in Palawan? Is the US operating a base there? What was the approved joint activity that allowed the US to move around our waters?" Reyes added.
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