Navy: WPS ops unaffected by oil crisis amid Middle East crisis

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ operations in the disputed West Philippine Sea are unaffected even with the surge in fuel prices due to the tensions in the Middle East, the Philippine Navy said on Tuesday. 

“All activities of the AFP for this year that are operational in nature will continue. It’s our mandate that we should be performed,” said Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing, Trinidad added: “For the AFP, all operational matters will continue. We could not afford to have a let-down in performing our mandate.”

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that pump prices will surge especially with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for a fifth of the global oil supply.

Some shipping companies have increased their fares for sea travel due to the effect of the Middle East conflict on the global fuel supply.

On Tuesday, United States President Donald Trump said the US Navy is ready to escort oil tankers through the crucial shipping route.

When asked if the Philippine Navy is ready to deploy a frigate to help in the escort mission, Trinidad said: “I don’t want to jump start our national command authorities. Suffice it to say any guidance given to the AFP, we are more than willing to perform. Any guidance.” — JMA, GMA Integrated News