Panelo clarifies 'be thankful' remarks on Beijing's rescue centers in disputed sea Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) - February 1, 2019 - 4:25pm MANILA, Philippines — After drawing flak for his recent remarks on Beijing's installment of a maritime rescue center on a Manila-claimed reef in the West Philippine Sea, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo clarified his stand on the matter. The Malacañang spokesman was earlier quoted saying the country "should be thankful" as the center on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef might be of service to everybody in the region. "I said thankful on the assumption that one — it has informed the government and sought permission and... if that is not just a ruse 'yun pala gagawin na nila kung anu-ano," Panelo told reporters. Panelo advised his critics, particularly Liberal Party president and Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who pointed out that it was also the presidential … [Read more...] about Panelo clarifies ‘be thankful’ remarks on Beijing’s rescue centers in disputed sea
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Carpio: Philippines should protest China’s rescue center on Kagitingan Reef
Carpio: Philippines should protest China's rescue center on Kagitingan Reef Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) - January 31, 2019 - 4:09pm MANILA, Philippines — Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio called on the Philippine government to protest China's establishment of a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef in the West Philippine Sea. Carpio, one of the leading figures in the Philippines' arbitration against China, pointed out that not doing so would imply that the country consented to Beijing's putting of a center on one of the geologic features that the country claims. "This means we are recognizing that China has a right to occupy and use Fiery Cross Reef. Occupation and use are acts of sovereignty," Carpio said in a statement released Thursday. Putting up a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan Reef is an act of administration, which is essential to acquiring sovereignty, … [Read more...] about Carpio: Philippines should protest China’s rescue center on Kagitingan Reef
Palace: China’s rescue center on Manila-claimed reef ‘could help everybody’
Palace: China's rescue center on Manila-claimed reef 'could help everybody' Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) - January 31, 2019 - 2:53pm MANILA, Philippines — Beijing's establishment of a maritime rescue center on a Manila-claimed reef in the West Philippine Sea would benefit everyone, Malacañang said Thursday. Chinese-state run Xinhua earlier reported that China's Ministry of Transport has opened a rescue on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef, one of its artificial islands in the Spratly Islands. "Maybe we should be thankful. I share the sentiment of (Defense) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that could help seamen in distress in that area. It can help everybody," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing. RELATED: Locsin: China's weather stations 'not claims of ownership' | Philippines cannot physically confirm China's weather stations — Lorenzana The Malacañang … [Read more...] about Palace: China’s rescue center on Manila-claimed reef ‘could help everybody’
China opens rescue center on Kagitingan Reef
China opens rescue center on Kagitingan Reef Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) - January 30, 2019 - 12:12pm MANILA, Philippines — Beijing has established a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef, one of its military outposts in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. According to a report from Chinese state-run Xinhua, China's Ministry of Transport opened the center to support rescue operations in the southern part of the disputed waterway. In July 2018, China sent a rescue ship to Zamora or Subi Reef, which has been modified to adapt to the natural conditions in the area. In charge of emergency response operations, the Chinese ship was staffed with at least eight rescuers with diving equipment. Another ship was deployed to the region in October to replace the first vessel, Xinhua reported. The two Chinese ships have rescued 16 people and two ships in eight operations over the past six months, … [Read more...] about China opens rescue center on Kagitingan Reef
Sea rescue center will protect tourists
CHALONG: A 15-million-baht Sea Rescue Center is to be set up to coordinate emergency rescue operations off Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, it was revealed today. The center, to be set up in Chalong, will become a nerve center for information about mishaps and accidents at sea, which will be gathered and disseminated to various marine agencies. Making the announcement today, Dr Prasit Koeysiripong, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization, said, “The navy has ships and helicopters. The Harbor Master’s Office, the police and the Phuket Provincial Health Office also have vessels or helicopters. “So we are looking at a budget which will allow us to use these vehicles for rescue operations.” The project was aimed at promoting safety for tourists, Dr Prasit said, adding that all radio frequencies will be open so that the public can listen. “We regard the safety of tourists as paramount, and a lot of tourists travel by sea, so their safety must … [Read more...] about Sea rescue center will protect tourists