Navy vows to secure vessels amid resumption of oil exploration in West Philippine Sea

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo on Monday vowed to secure all Filipino vessels which will conduct oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea following President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to lift the moratorium.

At a virtual press conference, Bacordo said he could not say yet the impact of Duterte's decision in the current situation in the region.

"I cannot predict what will happen next but I just like to inform you that the Philippine Navy is ready to protect our vessels conducting oil exploration or conducting surveys in our areas within the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone, within the 350 nautical mile extended continental shelf in the Benham Rise," Bacordo said.

"That is part and parcel of our task as your Philippine Navy... to protect our own and to protect the conduct of surveys and exploration..." Bacordo added.

Bacordo said protecting all vessels would include the conduct of patrols in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, maritime and air patrols, and improvement of facilities in the region.

Last week, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi said a “Resume-to-Work” notice was issued by the DOE to the service contractors doing petroleum-related activities in the areas of SC 59, 72, and 75 in the West Philippine Sea after Duterte approved the agency's recommendation to lift the oil exploration moratorium in the disputed waters.

In 2015, exploration activities in the area were suspended on the ground “Force Majeure” due to the territorial dispute.

Cusi said the recent decision to lift the moratorium was unilateral on the part of the Philippine government but there are also plans to formally inform China. — RSJ, GMA News