Govt to improve military capability to protect PHL shorelines

Even after reiterating its call for a peaceful resolution of territorial disputes, the Philippine government on Monday said it will improve the country's capability to protect its shorelines. “The administration is determined to improve the capabilities of our military and Coast Guard to enable the effective patrol and protection of our national territory and Exclusive Economic Zone," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in press briefing. Lacierda said the administration has always called for a peaceful, multilateral settlement of the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the Spratlys area. “The administration has always asserted that it will dismiss out of hand any claim to what are considered integral parts of the Philippine territory, such as the Recto or Reed bank in western Palawan," he said. “The administration calls on all parties concerned to refrain from making statements that would impede such resolution," he added. Lacierda said all administrations, since 1935, have abided by a constitutional provision adopting the principles of international law for the settlement of international claims and disputes. He said the disputes should be resolved based on the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China sea, applicable international laws, and the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea. - VVP, GMA News