PHL Military Vows to Protect Aussie-Phils Drilling Operation in West Philippine Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is preparing to deploy troops and Navy vessels in West Philippine Sea, once the Australian-Philippine consortium starts to drill starting August 1.

“That area (is within) our exclusive economic zone so any exploration must be protected by our navy. It’s incumbent upon us to protect the activity,” Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said.

“Our Philippine Navy will secure those who are involved in economic activities,” he added.

When asked if they expect Chinese ships to harass the drilling team, Detoyato replied: “None that I know of.”

“We don’t expect any but we are prepared,” he added.

Detoyato said the Navy has equipment to ward off any attempt to harass the exploration team but declined to elaborate.

“As long as it is within Philippines waters, our Navy will secure those who are involved in economic activities,” he added.

The SC 55 consortium consists of Australia’s Otto Energy Investments Ltd., which has 78.18 percent interest, Red Emperor Resources NL, which has 15 percent and Palawan 55 Exploration and Production Corp. with 6.82 percent.

Philippine officials previously said that Recto Bank is not part of disputed territory and is well within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

Located 80 nautical miles from Palawan, Recto Bank has an estimated resource potential of 165 million barrels of oil and 3,486 billion cubic feet of gas.

The site is not located in the West Philippine Sea area being claimed by China. However, there have been reports of China’s presence in areas that are not being disputed by claimants.

AFP did not further give details about the preparation, but military officials said the country has enough resources to use in the particular area to be defended.

The recent visit of Adm. Scott Swift, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, in the country and his participation in patrolling the disputed area has boosted the military’s moral.

/Sarah Gomez/

 

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