Maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) will continue despite rising oil prices, the Philippine Navy said Monday.
Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said higher fuel costs could affect administrative tasks, prompting the agency to conserve energy in routine activities.
Operational matters such as maritime patrols will remain unaffected, he said, stressing that “sovereignty has no price.”
Trinidad added that the Philippines will continue securing the WPS, particularly the northern islands where the fish-rich Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal is located.
He also said joint military exercises with other countries will proceed as planned, noting that the guided missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7) is currently in Australia for the International Fleet Review and the Multilateral Naval Exercise “Kakadu” from March 8 to 30.
