AFP chief may cite Spratlys issue at RP-US defense meet

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Eduardo Oban said on Friday he may discuss the Spratlys issue with his American counterpart in the annual RP-US Mutual Defense Board (MDB) meeting tentatively set in the middle of August this year. “Normally, when we have MDB meeting, we talk about a lot of issues, including strategic themes," said Oban when asked if the dispute on the Spratly Island would be raised in their discussions in the MDB meeting in Hawaii in the United States. Oban and US Pacific Command commander Admiral Robert Willard co-chair the MDB. "Intrusions" of Chinese vessels Asked if he would discuss the recent allegations of intrusions by Chinese vessels into areas that are part of Philippine territory, Oban said “[the meeting would] not center on anything specific but more on concerns surrounding the disputed islands." The Philippine Defense department and military establishment alleged that China has made at least six intrusions this year. Recently, on May 21 and 24, crew members of Chinese vessels reportedly put up buoy and steel posts at the Amy Douglas Bank in the Spratlys. The structures were later dismantled by Filipino fishermen. Oban said these incidents would “definitely" be tackled “because of the recent statements and developments we’ve been hearing and seeing." Malacañang on Wednesday insisted that Chinese ships "intruded" into Philippine territory despite Beijing's call for the Philippines to stop making "irresponsible" statements. Irresponsible claims? China has stepped up criticisms against the Philippines, urging the Philippine government to stop infringing on China's sovereignty. However, Oban insisted that their information about Chinese intrusions had solid basis. He disputed a statement by Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao that reports about alleged Chinese intrusions were merely “bad rumor." Oban said, “We got the report from our units. The fishermen turned over (to the military) the markers they found in the area… We have basis (in coming up with the report)." According to him, the military had forwarded the report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, which in turn filed a diplomatic protest against China. Moreover, Oban said the military would report similar intrusions in the future to the DFA so it can engage with its counterpart accordingly. The RP-US MDB was formed under the Mutual Defense Treaty which both countries forged in August 1951. The treaty states that both parties “would act to meet common dangers" when there is an armed attack on either party. 'Stop exploration activities' Aside from the Philippines and China, other countries that claim territories in the South China Sea are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The region is an important shipping route and is believed to hold untapped oil and gas reserves. On Thursday, China asked the other claimants, including the Philippines, to stop oil exploration activities in the disputed region. Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao said conducting unilateral exploration in the disputed Spratlys Islands is considered a violation of China’s territorial sovereignty. "We’re calling on all parties to stop searching the possibility of exploiting resources in this area where China has claims," Liu said. "If these countries want to do so, you can talk to the Chinese about the possibility of having a joint cooperation development and exploitation of the natural resources in this area," he added. — LBG/VVP, GMA News