PCG installs territorial markers in West Philippine Sea

May 19 ------ PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the PCG installed five 30-foot long navigational buoys carrying the Philippine flag around four islands in the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Abu said the buoys, installed from May 12 to 14, stand as symbols of coastal state administration in waters off Lawak Island, Likas Island, Parola Island and Pag-asa Island. "I know it was not an easy task, but the support of Task Force Kaligtasan sa Karagatan led to the resounding success of installing our sovereign markers that are now flashing lights at night to guide sailors as they traverse the treacherous waters of the WPS," Abu said in a statement.

The ocean markers also communicate that the islands were special protected zones, hence mining and oil exploration are prohibited. Abu described the atmosphere in the territory also claimed by China as relatively calm. He said that during his visit to Pag-asa Island on May 14 to assess the buoy laying operations, he saw five PCG ships anchored with several Filipino fishing bancas nearby.

"Several Vietnamese fishing boats, Chinese fishing vessels and China Coast Guard vessels were not so far from their position, specifically at the vicinity waters off Subi Reef (Zamora Reef)," he said. "My directive is we will challenge them. But according to the Coast Guard fleet, the WPS is peaceful and the ships of Vietnam and China have shown respect for our mission," Abu added.

The PCG is scheduled to install more navigational buoys in other parts of the country's exclusive economic zone, including the Philippine Rise, also known as Benham Rise.

Source: manilatimes.net