A lawmaker raised the need for higher Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) funding to boost its intelligence operation and maritime patrols, citing the successful resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal last August 22.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said the successful resupply transpired despite the harassment by Chinese vessels as she urged her colleagues to help the agency better perform its mandate amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
During her privilege speech on the proposed Senate Resolution No. 744, which calls on senators to empower the PCG and uphold national sovereignty, Hontiveros lauded PCG personnel for successfully carrying out on August 22 a rotation and resupply mission for the beached BRP Sierra Madre.
“In the budget process, I encourage all of us to support the increase of the PCG’s funds. If we could further strengthen the men and women of our Coast Guard, arm them with advanced equipment – such as radar stations, automatic identification systems (AIS) hardware and others – we can more effectively hold China accountable for her hostile, aggressive, and illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea,” she said.
Hontiveros said the Senate should assist the public information efforts of the PCG over Filipinos’ lawful claims on the WPS that are being hampered by a deluge of “orchestrated, pro- Beijing misinformation and propaganda.”
She said despite the PCG facing “a clear and present danger” brought about by China’s increasing hostilities in the region, funding for PCG operations remains limited.
Since 2009, the agency has only been receiving PHP10 million in intelligence funds annually, forcing the agency to rely solely on human intelligence (HUMINT) to get up-to-date information.
Over the last two years, PCG personnel and vessels performing missions in Philippine territory have been increasingly targeted by “China’s cruelty at sea,” Hontiveros said, citing the firing of water cannons to Philippine ships during a resupply mission for personnel in the BRP Sierra Madre last August 5 and in November 2021.
In August 2022, Chinese Coast Guard removed the cover of a 70-mm naval gun aboard their ship and pointed it toward a PCG vessel traveling to Ayungin Shoal.
In February this year, China deployed a military-grade laser towards a PCG ship, temporarily blinding the Filipino crew on board.
Hontiveros said it is unacceptable that the PCG is receiving far less intelligence funds than those being received by civilian agencies with no direct relation to national security and protection of Philippine territory. (PNA)
Photo credit: Facebook/coastguardph