NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Addresses Chinese Floating Barriers In Bajo De Masinloc
Photo credit: DND
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro discussed concerns surrounding the placement of Chinese floating barriers in Bajo de Masinloc and the alarming destruction of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea.
He also shed light on the nation's strategy to safeguard its territorial rights in collaboration with the National Security Council (NSC).
Teodoro was asked about the potential involvement of the Philippine Navy in joint patrols with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the West Philippine Sea.
He responded, "There has been no request to change our existing arrangement, and I do not have the authority to determine if it's necessary or not."
Regarding the Defense Department's role in protecting Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea, Teodoro emphasized their focus on establishing a credible deterrent force.
He stated, "Our role is to maintain a credible deterrent force, so we are rapidly enhancing our capabilities to deter any territorial incursions and illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and other parts of the ocean."
In response to questions about the possibility of setting up additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in collaboration with the United States due to China's aggressive actions, Teodoro confirmed, "There have been no discussions yet. However, we will definitely add Philippine bases. We have instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to establish these bases at the extremities of our country's archipelagic baselines."
Teodoro elaborated that these bases would be joint operations involving the Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and civilian sites. He emphasized the need to protect the nation's baselines, stating, "We need to protect our baselines, and these joint efforts are necessary."
He also shed light on the nation's strategy to safeguard its territorial rights in collaboration with the National Security Council (NSC).
Teodoro was asked about the potential involvement of the Philippine Navy in joint patrols with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the West Philippine Sea.
He responded, "There has been no request to change our existing arrangement, and I do not have the authority to determine if it's necessary or not."
Regarding the Defense Department's role in protecting Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea, Teodoro emphasized their focus on establishing a credible deterrent force.
He stated, "Our role is to maintain a credible deterrent force, so we are rapidly enhancing our capabilities to deter any territorial incursions and illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and other parts of the ocean."
In response to questions about the possibility of setting up additional Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in collaboration with the United States due to China's aggressive actions, Teodoro confirmed, "There have been no discussions yet. However, we will definitely add Philippine bases. We have instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to establish these bases at the extremities of our country's archipelagic baselines."
Teodoro elaborated that these bases would be joint operations involving the Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and civilian sites. He emphasized the need to protect the nation's baselines, stating, "We need to protect our baselines, and these joint efforts are necessary."
Oct 2, 2023
