• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Free Subscription
  • March 30, 2023

Update Philippines

Updating Filipinos Online

  • Home
  • Nation
  • World
  • Entertainment
  • Food and Travel
  • Economy
  • Technology
You are here: Home / Nation / PCG resumes surveillance patrols in Scarborough

PCG resumes surveillance patrols in Scarborough

March 9, 2018 by Gloria Seloza Leave a Comment

MANILA, Philippines — Apart from last week’s patrol of the Philippine Rise, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has renewed its surveillance patrols in Panatag or Scarborough Shoal the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG yesterday also deployed an aerial patrol over Kalayaan Island, particularly in the vicinity of Pagasa Island.

PCG spokesman Captain Armand Balilo said their Islander plane left Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and flew over Kalayaan Island.

“We dispatched one of our Islander planes to the West Philippine Sea in compliance with President Duterte’s instructions to make our presence felt in the territory, including Pagasa Island,” Balilo said.

“We sent our plane to the Kalayaan Group of Islands for maritime domain awareness. We were just conducting regular surveillance in the area,” he added.

Balilo said there was some apprehension in the aerial patrol in the area on the possibility that it would be challenged by Chinese forces. China has built a fortified fortress in the Kagitingan Reef, which is also called Fiery Cross Reef, located nearby Kalayaan.

“Based on the report of our pilot China did not challenge our presence… This is a sign that the Philippine relationship with China has improved,” Balilo said.

There had been instances when China, upon seeing their Islander plane, would send radio messages or fire flares.

But yesterday morning, Balilo said Chinese forces did not show any sign of protest.

The last time the PCG conducted an aerial surveillance in the area was the middle of last year.
In the coming days, the Coast Guard’s Islander plane would also be conducing a maritime domain awareness aerial patrol over Bajo de Masinloc, which China claims to be part of its nine-dash line territory.

“We would also check Bajo de Masinloc in the coming days. We might send the Islander plane,” Balilo said.

Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough and Panatag Shoal, is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales and within the country’s 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Last Saturday, a PCG Islander plane and BRP Suluan were dispatched to the Philippine Rise.

The presence of the PCG at Philippine Rise comes at a time when a Chinese research ship was reportedly spotted in the area, and that in 2004 China managed to name five features of the underwater plateau after an unauthorized research trip.

President Duterte then ordered all foreigners intending to conduct research at the Philippine Rise to first secure approval from the national security adviser.

Philippine Rise, formerly Benham Rise, has generated much interest because scientific surveys indicate the presence of minerals and natural gas in the area. Solidified methane was reportedly found during the mapping activities and there are massive oil deposits.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also highlighted the Philippine Rise as a major food source because it has a rich and diverse ecosystem that attracts migratory commercial fish like tuna, marlin and mackerel.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/09/1795051/pcg-resumes-surveillance-patrols-scarborough#XzHTbRlqi4jf4QWr.99

China respects PH sovereign rights at Philippine Rise

Read More About: Nation

Join the Conversation Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Find us on…

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Latest News

  • How the global stock markets can affect the economy

    How the global stock markets can affect the economy

  • Tech scams to watch out for

    Tech scams to watch out for

  • 8 things you need to know about the free tuition law

    8 things you need to know about the free tuition law

  • AH-1W for Attack Chopper?

    AH-1W for Attack Chopper?

  • Blackhawk in Philippines, Finally

    Blackhawk in Philippines, Finally

  • US willing to contribute to PHL Navy modernization, says official

    US willing to contribute to PHL Navy modernization, says official

Food and Travel

  • 4 Filipinos vying in 2018 Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards ( Cast your Vote )

    4 Filipinos vying in 2018 Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards ( Cast your Vote )

  • Philippines to co-host 2023 FIBA World Cup with Japan, Indonesia

    Philippines to co-host 2023 FIBA World Cup with Japan, Indonesia

  • Ms. Philippines Karen Ibasco crowned as Miss Earth 2017

    Ms. Philippines Karen Ibasco crowned as Miss Earth 2017

  • Baguio Christmas village opens to public

    Baguio Christmas village opens to public

  • CALABARZON promotes ‘motorcycle tourism’

    CALABARZON promotes ‘motorcycle tourism’

  • Camiguin ready to host international tourists, events

    Camiguin ready to host international tourists, events

Technology

  • Tech scams to watch out for

    Tech scams to watch out for

  • Why the Apple iPad Is the Best Tablet for Parents with Young Children

    Why the Apple iPad Is the Best Tablet for Parents with Young Children

  • A Brief History of Batteries and Their Development

    A Brief History of Batteries and Their Development

  • Globe to suspend mobile services in Quiapo for ‘Traslacion’ Black Nazarene

    Globe to suspend mobile services in Quiapo for ‘Traslacion’ Black Nazarene

  • 6 Budget Smartphones Under 10,000 in the Philippines 2018

    6 Budget Smartphones Under 10,000 in the Philippines 2018

© Web Design WPStartups.net · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Likeablepress