Screenshot of video taken by resupply boat Unaiza May 2 (From video posted by AFP Facebook)
MANILA - The decision of the House of Representatives to reallocate confidential funds is proving to be both ‘prudent and strategic’ amid recent developments in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Davao del Sur Rep. John Tracy Cagas and Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela said on Wednesday.
In a statement, Cagas described the decisive action of the House to redirect PHP1.23 billion in confidential funds to bolster the capabilities of the country’s security agencies as a “strategic move of utmost importance” in light of the recent developments and escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
"The House of Representatives made the right decision to allocate these funds to our security agencies. This strategic move sends a clear message that we stand ready to defend our territorial integrity and safeguard the well-being of our citizens amidst the growing challenges in the West Philippine Sea,” Cagas said.
He also stressed the importance of readiness and vigilance in the face of these mounting tensions.
"We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to safeguarding our sovereignty and territorial waters. The House's reallocation of funds to our security agencies is a strong move to fortify our position,” he said.
In a separate statement, Tarriela said the House has taken a “crucial and prudent step” in securing the safety of the Filipino people and preserving the nation's sovereignty through its reallocation decision.
"In these challenging times, we must prioritize the security and well-being of our citizens and assert our rights in the West Philippine Sea. The House of Representatives has indeed done the right thing by reallocating these funds to enhance our nation's defense capabilities,” he said.
He added that the Philippines will not back down in the face of such provocations and will defend its territorial integrity and sovereign rights.
“Our government must stand firm and do whatever it takes to protect our interests. The House's reallocation of funds to support our security agencies is a clear message that we will not be bullied or coerced,” Tarriela said.
The lawmakers’ statements came in the wake of a dangerous incident on Oct. 22 during a standard mission to resupply BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which is an integral part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
In the latest incident, Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels harassed and collided with resupply boat Unaiza May 2 and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called for a special command conference with all security officials to discuss the collision incident and ordered the PCG to immediately conduct a maritime investigation.
In a separate briefing on the same day, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said China’s recent action is a serious escalation of the illegal activities by the Chinese government in the West Philippine Sea and a complete disregard of any norm or convention of international law.
“The Philippine government views the latest aggression by China as a blatant violation of international law. China has no legal right or authority to conduct law enforcement operations in our territorial waters. We are taking this incident seriously at the highest level of government,” Teodoro said. (PNA)
