Coast Guard to secure oil exploration in Kalayaan island group

Recognizing the sensitivity of the disputed Kalayaan Island Group, President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Tuesday instructed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to provide the security needed for exploration activities in the area. During a change of command at the PCG headquarters in Manila, the President directed the new PCG commander, Ramon Liwag, to protect oil and gas exploration activities in the island group, also known as Spratlys. Aquino also acknowledged the contributions of the PCG in the campaign against illegal drugs. “Bukod sa paninigurong walang nakakapasok na masasamang elemento… na banta sa seguridad ng ating bansa, tinitiyak din ng PCG na malinis at ligtas sa polusyon ang ating teritoryong pandagat. Kaya naman ipinagkatiwala ko sa PCG ang offshore drilling and oil exploration sa kanlurang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Katuwang namin kayo sa pagtuklas ng mga potensyal na pagmumulan ng karagdagang enerhiya para sa mga Pilipino," he said. Liwag, in an interview in Malacañang, acknowledged the need to use the PCG in the exploration activities “in order not to be provocative." He added that using the PCG to provide security in the area has the support of the Armed Forces, the Philippine Navy in particular. “Coast Guard is basically law enforcement. So, safety of navigation, environmental protection. Of course, security aspect din ng mga dumadaan doon. Kasi kine-claim natin iyan na islands natin siya, so ‘yung Coast Guard kasi as compared to Navy, mas accepted siya when you challenge other entities, or other fishing boats, or other targets in the area," he said. During the ceremony, Aquino asked Liwag to continue the reforms started by his predecessor, former Commander Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, reminding him to remain steadfast in the face of temptations. “Tiwala akong sa karanasan at husay sa serbisyo ni Vice-Admiral Ramon Liwag, pamumunuan niya ang PCG nang may katulad na dedikasyon at sakripisyo ni Admiral Tamayo, at maihahatid din niya sa mas maunlad na daungan ang buong PCG," the President said. Before assuming the PCG's highest position, Liwag was the vice commandant for operations, the next officer in command responsible for all operational matters in the organization. During the ceremony, the President also recognized Tamayo for his exemplary performance as PCG commander and for improving the its image during his term. Tamayo was also conferred with The Order of Lakandula with the rank of Commander. — BC/VS, GMA News