MANILA — An official from the National Security Council (NSC) revealed on Monday that more countries are likely to join the Philippines in its West Philippine Sea (WPS) patrols.
In an interview, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said: “Meron din joint patrols na mangyayari in the future kasama yung ibang bansa gaya ng Japan, Australia na nagpapakita rin ng suporta sa ating bansa.
This statement follows the deployment of United States vessels, including the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-71), during the second “maritime cooperative activity” with the Philippines in the WPS from January 3 to 4.
In the same activity, the Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed Philippine Navy vessels BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).
Apart from the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-71), the US Indo-Pacific Command deployed a cruiser, two destroyers, and multiple combat aircraft, sending a strong signal to China that the Philippines has robust support from its allies.
Malaya expressed hope for smooth future resupply missions in the WPS, emphasizing the critical importance of the BRP Sierra Madre and the Ayungin Shoal in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty.
When asked about China’s interest in targeting resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal, Malaya outlined strategic reasons, stating, “Una malapit sa mischief reef, pangalawa sa tingin naming good candidate for a transformation to an artificial island. Pag nakuha nila, gagawan ng military base kasi malawak at madaling ireclaim, magaling naman sila sa reclamation. Pangatlo, sa tingin ko nangigigil sila dyan kasi malapit sa Recto Bank kung nasaan yung sinasabing napakaraming natural gas at mineral deposit or oil na magagamit ng China kung sakaling sila ang makakuha sa lugar na iyan.”
(el Amigo/MNM)