The Philippine Coast Guard’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea says it was ‘disheartening’ to hear doubts about its capability to defend the country’s territory on its own.
Full story: https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippine-coast-guard-defense-west-philippine-sea/
Full story: https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippine-coast-guard-defense-west-philippine-sea/
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00:00 The Philippine Coast Guard's spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea says it was "disheartening"
00:05 to hear doubts about its capability to defend the country's territory on its own.
00:09 In a post, Commodore Jay Tariella says the Coast Guard will, quote, "continue to serve
00:13 and protect our exclusive economic zone, irrespective of any external assistance."
00:18 This comes a day after Philippine senators questioned the presence of the U.S. military
00:22 in a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.
00:25 In a hearing, Senators Robin Padilla and Bato Dela Rosa questioned if it was appropriate
00:30 for the U.S. Navy to be present at the West Philippine Sea during a Philippine resupply
00:34 mission to Marines stationed at the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
00:39 The mission involves the PCGS escorts to civilian boats commissioned by the Armed Forces of
00:43 the Philippines.
00:45 This after China has regularly harassed and blocked Philippine ships on resupply missions
00:49 to Ayungin.
00:49 (upbeat music)