http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=544238&publicationSubCategoryId=63
MANILA, Philippines - Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro vowed to strengthen maritime security agreements with neighboring states since the Philippine Navy still has no capability to patrol and secure the country’s southern backdoor.
Teodoro was referring to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines-East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) security agreement, which would help secure the country’s borders.
He called for border patrol agreements involving the BIMP-EAGA nations, saying that “our weakness in this area can be compensated for by our allies.”
“This is a sensible option,” Teodoro told a press briefing in Davao City where he said that the Navy is seven years away from securing a truly modern ship.
At present, the Navy is dependent on Coast Watch South, a security scheme supported by the US and Australia to monitor maritime activities in the Southern Philippines.
Teodoro said the Navy’s small fleet could not totally protect our maritime borders from poachers and smugglers.
He pointed out that security agreements with the BIMP-EAGA nations would help bring peace and stability to the region, because the joint border patrols could curb piracy, smuggling of narcotics and weapons, and even cross-border terrorism. He called for border patrol agreements involving the BIMP-EAGA nations, saying that “our weakness in this area can be compensated for by our allies.”
“This is a sensible option,” Teodoro told a press briefing in Davao City where he said that the Navy is seven years away from securing a truly modern ship.
At present, the Navy is dependent on Coast Watch South, a security scheme supported by the US and Australia to monitor maritime activities in the Southern Philippines.
Teodoro said the Navy’s small fleet could not totally protect our maritime borders from poachers and smugglers.
The BIMP-EAGA promotes trade and investments in the region through information exchange by the private sector and identifies business opportunities in the area.
Teodoro said he envisions the Philippines becoming the “fullest and purest functioning democracy” in the region and eventually leading its neighbors in global competitiveness and economic prosperity.
Bello wants lasting peace
Cabinet Secretary and two-time former Justice secretary Silvestre Bello III vowed to continue working and negotiating with the National Democratic Front to attain lasting peace in the country.
Bello, who is included in the Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial lineup, issued this promise in a press conference at his headquarters in Quezon City the other day.
He said he had always been at the forefront of the campaign for justice during the martial law years and had even worked in various capacities at the Department of Justice and as solicitor general after 1986.
“I have also taken to heart my role as peace negotiator for 10 years and cut a number of agreements to push the peace forward since 1992. This engagement has enriched my knowledge about the depth and intensity of poverty nationwide,” he said.
Bello expressed optimism that while a final agreement with the NDF is elusive, the process would continue in earnest.
Bello, who is included in the Lakas-Kampi-CMD senatorial lineup, issued this promise in a press conference at his headquarters in Quezon City the other day.
He said he had always been at the forefront of the campaign for justice during the martial law years and had even worked in various capacities at the Department of Justice and as solicitor general after 1986.
“I have also taken to heart my role as peace negotiator for 10 years and cut a number of agreements to push the peace forward since 1992. This engagement has enriched my knowledge about the depth and intensity of poverty nationwide,” he said.
Bello expressed optimism that while a final agreement with the NDF is elusive, the process would continue in earnest.
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