Destruction at Rozul Reef, Escoda Shoal troubling: US ambassador | ABS-CBN

ADVERTISEMENT

dpo-dps-seal
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!

Destruction at Rozul Reef, Escoda Shoal troubling: US ambassador

Destruction at Rozul Reef, Escoda Shoal troubling: US ambassador

ABS-CBN News

Clipboard

Watch more News on iWantTFC

MANILA — Destruction of the seabed at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea documented by Philippine security forces is troubling, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said Tuesday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines over the weekend said it had seen the effects of coral harvesting in Rozul Reef that left the seabed barren. The Philippine Coast Guard on Monday backed the military's report, adding it saw similar ecological damage at Escoda Shoal.

"Troubling [Philippine Coast Guard] and [AFP Western Command] on coral destruction around Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal," Carlson said in a post on X.

"Habitat damage harms ecosystems and negatively affects lives and livelihoods," she also said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We are working with our #FriendsPartnersAllies to protect [Philippine] natural resources," she said in the same post.

The AFP and Coast Guard documented the destruction at the West Philippine Sea features after dozens of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels were seen and driven away from the area.

US AID TO COAST GUARD, CIVIL SOCIETY

The US this month turned over a P250-million training facility in Bulacan to the Coast Guard, where personnel would be taught navigation, law enforcement and ship maintenance.

Part of an assistance package announced in a White House fact sheet in May was the transfer of former US Coast Guard patrol boats to the Philippine military.

The US is also "expanding cooperation among our coast guards to better address the challenges posed by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and other unlawful maritime activities," the White House said then.

The US Agency for International Development in May announced P240 million in support to civil society-led biodiversity and climate projects.

The US also convened a summit in March for civil society organizations working in marine biodiversity and protection in areas facing the South China Sea.

AFP, COAST GUARD NEED MORE RESOURCES

In an interview on TeleRadyo Serbisyo on Monday, Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma, spokesperson of the Western Command, said while the security sector wants to maintain Philippine presence inside its exclusive economic zone, there are not enough resources to do so.

"We have to manage our law enforcement platforms at kailangan din planuhin ang pag-ikot at pag-patrolya dyan sa ating napakalawak na nasasakupan sa West Philippine Sea," he said.

(We have to manage our law enforcement platforms and patrols in the vast West Philippine Sea have to be planned.)

ADVERTISEMENT

Chel Diokno joins volunteers in Sunday run, stresses importance of youth in 2025 polls

Chel Diokno joins volunteers in Sunday run, stresses importance of youth in 2025 polls

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Clipboard

MANILA — Akbayan Party-list first nominee Atty. Chel Diokno underscored the role of the youth in the 2025 midterm elections as he volunteers — called "Chel-dren" — in their regular Sunday morning jog on Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

“Literal na nasa inyong kamay kung sino ang gusto ninyong iupo sa puwesto. Kaya gamitin niyo ito nang tama sa mga karapat-dapat na kandidato,” he said.

(The choice of who will elected is literally in your hands. So use it wisely and on the right candidates)

Ahead of the 39th anniversary of EDSA People Power, Diokno urged voters to choose wisely.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Sa tulong ng EDSA People Power 1, nagbalik ang tiwala natin sa sistema ng halalan at muli nating natamo ang karapatang mamili ng gusto nating kandidato na walang kinatatakutan,” Diokno said in a statement.

(With the help of EDSA People Power 1, we restored trust in the electoral system and we again enjoyed the right to vote for candidates free of fear)

He said the youth should not waste this right.

Diokno reminded voters to scrutinize the track record of the candidates.

“Everyone will promise you the moon and the sun and the stars. So we cannot base iyong pagpipili natin ng kandidato doon lang sa sinasabi niya (We cannot base our choice of candidate only on what they say),” Diokno said.

“Kailangang titingnan din natin ang kanyang track record. Kung dati na siyang nasa gobyerno, anong ginawa niya bilang lingkod bayan? Kung nasa private sector, ano ang ginawa niya para sa komunidad?” he added.

(We need to look at track record. If they have already been in government, look at what they have already done as public servants. If in the private sector, what did they do for their community)

RELATED VIDEO



ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.