PNP to help patrol WPS
PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar on Thursday ordered the PNP Maritime Group to assist the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in their maritime patrols on the West Philippine Sea.
“The PNP, specifically the Maritime Group, is ready to provide assistance and augment personnel from the PCG and BFAR in enforcing maritime laws on the West Philippine Sea and our Exclusive Economic Zone,” the PNP chief said as he expressed their readiness to help the government boost maritime law enforcement patrols in the resource-rich territorial waters.
“Despite our limitations when it comes to resources, we will make sure that it will not discourage and prevent us from asserting and fighting for what is ours,” he added.
Gen. Eleazar said the presence of more Filipinos on the West Philippine Sea sends a message that the Philippines strongly asserts its sovereignty and rights in the area.
“Malaki na po ang magagawa ng sama-sama nating presensya. Maganda po na mas maraming awtoridad ang nandoon para maipakita natin na nagkakaisa tayo at pinaglalaban ang ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea,” he said.
Gen. Eleazar said the PNP continues to consult with the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, the PCG and BFAR to determine the PMG’s specific participation in maritime patrols.
