Marcos vows to upgrade coast guard vessels amid elevated China tensions

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday vowed to upgrade coast guard vessels and other equipment amid rising tensions with China. 

“We can see that our capability is increasing so we can defend the maritime territory of the Philippines,” he told reporters in Filipino, as he led the inspection of a Philippine Coast Guard vessel that was water cannoned by the Chinese Coast Guard near Second Thomas Shoal in August.

He said the coast guard would soon have 40 40-foot vessels that would help boost the country’s maritime capability.

The upgrade is needed not just because they are on the frontline of maritime defense but also because of the function they play in search and rescue and disaster response, the President told reporters on the sidelines of the celebration of the 122^nd founding anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila.

“They do many things,” he said in Filipino.

Mr. Marcos said the country has “many friends around the world” who are helping to strengthen the coast guard.

In his speech at the event, he said the coast guard had “unwaveringly answered the call of duty.” “Your accomplishments in the performance of your duty have consistently championed our country and our people’s rights and welfare in the face of daunting adversity and difficulties.”

Meanwhile, senators backed a budget increase for the refleeting program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that seeks to buy ships for Filipino fishermen who will serve as sea patrols in the South China Sea.

“We cannot just let the militia vessels of China take advantage of our exclusive economic zone,” Senator Joseph Victor G. Estrada told a hearing on BFAR’s proposed 2024 budget.

“Our fishermen should be the ones taking advantage of the vast marine resources in the West Philippine Sea,” he added, referring to areas of the South China within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

BFAR Director Demosthenes R. Escoto said the agency has two multi-mission, one research, 12 marine and 12 surveillance patrol vessels used for supply and rescue missions during calamities.

Most of the boats are more than 15 years old and are due for repairs, he added.

Mr. Escoto said BFAR needs at least P450 million next year to buy three surveillance patrol ships for fishermen in the South China Sea. Each ship will cost as much as P200 million.

“We are proposing to purchase about three vessels, at least every other two years, so that probably in around 10 years, we will be able to complete a new set,” he added.

Senator Aquilino L. Pimentel III said it is crucial for fishermen to have enough equipment for patrol operations amid China’s aggression in the disputed waterway.

“Be aware of your very critical role, not only with your mandate, but even with [protecting] our exclusive economic zone,” he told BFAR officials at the hearing.

Senator Francis N. Tolentino said BFAR should also give fishermen upgraded fishing and communication equipment.

“This is what they are asking for,” he said in Filipino. “They usually only use compasses, which makes it difficult for them to communicate.”

The Philippine Coast Guard earlier asked senators for about P90 billion to buy 30 flag-bearing ships to boost patrols in the South China Sea.

‘GUARDIANS OF OUR SEAS’
Senators have been pushing to increase the budget of defense agencies to boost Philippine maritime security.

Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel earlier said the Philippine Coast Guard should get as much as P600 million in intelligence funds.

Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri vowed to back funding requirements for the coast guard and Armed Forces of the Philippines “whether it be confidential, intelligence funds or funding that will give you proper equipment for your needs in the West Philippine Sea.”

Also on Tuesday, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada condemned a recent incident involving a Chinese navy ship that allegedly shadowed and tried to cut off a Philippine navy vessel during a resupply mission, saying it violated international law.

“We must continue to uphold our rights, protect our territories and assert our sovereignty through peaceful and legal means,” he said in a statement. “The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities that our nation faces in this region.”

Armed Forces chief Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. on Sunday said a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel came as close as 350 yards as it tried to cut off a Philippine navy vessel near Thitu Island, which Filipinos call Pag-asa.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a news briefing on Oct. 16 the Philippines violated China’s sovereignty by occupying the island.

Mr. Estrada said similar incidents in the future would risk the lives of Filipino sailors and navy officers.

“They are the guardians of our seas, and it is our duty to show them utmost gratitude and support,” he said. “Ensuring their safety is paramount, and we will safeguard our nation’s rights by doing so.”

Tensions between the Philippines and China have worsened after the Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannons to block Manila’s attempt to deliver food and other supplies to a grounded ship at Second Thomas Shoal on Aug. 5.

A United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 voided China’s claim to more than 80% of the South China Sea based on a 1940s map. China has ignored the ruling. — with Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza