The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will assist in the civilian mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) in late May.
“The Armed Forces welcomes all civic groups that would like to show support to the stand of the government in the WPS. Actions like this, like a group sail, the third organized by the particular group, is very much welcome, provided that they get the right coordination with the appropriate government agency,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS RADM Roy Vincent Trinidad said in the latest Navy headquarters briefing.
“The Philippine Navy, the Armed Forces, to include other government agencies, are always ready to support them in their endeavor and to provide assistance if and when necessary,” he added.
Asked if the Philippine military would provide a close escort to the civilian mission, the spokesperson said it would be considered on a case-to-case basis.
“The presence of the AFP, the Philippine Navy in the WPS is based on the patrol plans of Northern Luzon Command and Western Command. In the event of specific details like particular requests for escorts by different civic society groups, this will be taken up on a case-to-case basis,” Trinidad said.
“In the event that this will coincide with the different patrol plans, then it will be good to have them at the same time, on the same day,” he added.
The Atin Ito Coalition earlier announced plans for a third civilian mission to the WPS on May 25, amid ongoing tensions involving Chinese vessels and aircraft.