Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 26) — The Philippine Coast Guard wants to expand its presence in Palawan, as the country grapples to counter China’s “threatening presence” in the West Philippine Sea.
The plans include improving the Coast Guard station in Pag-asa (Thitu) Island, as well as setting up a new hub of operations for the West Philippine Sea in El Nido town, north of mainland Palawan, PCG spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo told reporters on Wednesday.
“(It is) for monitoring purposes, particularly for maritime safety and search and rescue,” Balilo said.
Filipino fishermen, he added, will also benefit from the increased PCG presence.
Admiral George Ursabia, Jr, made a historic visit to Pag-asa Island on Tuesday to honor and rally Coast Guard personnel deployed in the area and in other parts of the West Philippine Sea. He is the first PCG commandant to make a trip to the island.
“We recognize your heroism in the face of great danger above and beyond the call of duty, most especially in conducting maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea,” Admiral Ursabia told his men.
Ursabia handed out awards to personnel assigned to the PCG Station-Kalayaan, led by its commander, Lt Junior Grade Elwin Madridano, in recognition of their duties “to uphold maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime safety, maritime search and rescue, and marine environmental protection” in the area, which is also being disputed by other countries including China.
“These are the two main objectives that we need to accomplish — stepping up our presence and flying the Philippine flag with a sense of pride — because the West Philippine Sea is ours! But then, we should not forget that it is also a contested area. There are others claiming that it is also theirs. But of course, we will not surrender the territory. It is ours! Hence, we have to do our part in a peaceful and rules-based manner,” the PCG said.
Ursabia also distributed supplies to school kids in Pag-asa and vowed to seek more aid to help fund the education of students in the island, who he said are interested to join the uniformed service.
