Broadening of Coast Guard mandate eyed

MANILA, Philippines — The mandate of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), a purely civilian organization, might be worth looking into to match the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) which is allowed to engage in combat, Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said.

In an interview Tuesday with “The Chiefs” over One News, Ejercito noted that China is claiming to be an ally of the Philippines but continues to advance its claim in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.

“I mention that they (China) have always been for show in front of us. They project us as an ally but in the end, look at what they’re doing, they have already claimed a big part of our territory... In other words, they are doing contrary to what they are projecting,” he added.

The senator admitted that the country’s firepower was no match to that of China, thus he suggested that the Philippines should forge alliances with neighboring countries for possible support.

“China is a superpower. Definitely, we are no match for them in terms of military strength, but I would suggest that we forge an alliance with our neighbors... to keep the freedom of navigation really going,” he said. “We have to forge an alliance with the US, probably Japan and Australia. It’s for economic reasons.”

Ejercito made the comment after the CCG pointed military-grade laser at the PCG recently, which some sectors believed was an act of provocation.

When asked whether the Senate should look into the mandate of the PCG, Ejercito said the idea “would be worth looking into... because of that current sensitive situation right now.”

The senator said he has been supportive of the improvement of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in particular the Navy’s modernization. “At least, we have modern ships right now slowly but surely, and also our coast guards. But I think we have to continue improving, at least for minimum defense capability.”

He expressed admiration for Vietnam, “a small country, but they stand their ground each time against China.”

Military drills

The joint military drills between the Philippines and the United States next month will only stoke regional geopolitical tension, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said yesterday.

Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said that if President Marcos wants to defend the country’s maritime territories in the West Philippine Sea, he should assert diplomatic means which include invoking the United Nations tribunal ruling to counter China’s aggressive actions.

“Inviting foreign troops to conduct war exercises and build military facilities are counterproductive and could further undermine regional stability,” he said in a statement.

At least 1,000 Filipino military personnel and more than 2,000 US soldiers will take part in the three-week exercises called Salaknib which involve multiple small-arms and maneuver live fire exercises, jungle training, and artillery and mortar LFX activities.

Around 12,000 US troops, 111 from Australia and observers from Japan’s defense forces will participate in the Balikatan exercise in April.

Reyes said public funds for the military drills should be used to address hunger, poverty and rising prices of basic commodities.

“We reiterate that war exercises have less to do with protecting the national interest than to promote a self-serving imperialist agenda,” Reyes said.

He likewise urged Filipinos to resist all forms of foreign military intervention. – Emmanuel Tupas