ORION, Bataan: Mayor Antonio Raymundo of this town on Wednesday welcomed the maritime exercises conducted by coast guards of the United States, Japan and the Philippines at the West Philippines Sea in Mariveles.
“Malaking bagay yan na ma-train ang mga kasapi ng ating Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy at Armed Forces of the Philippines na kailangan din naman natin na nakahanda upang pangalagaan ang ating teritoryo,” said Raymundo, president of the Bataan League of Municipalities.
Members of the league are mayors from Dinalupihan, Hermosa, Orani, Samal, Abucay, Balanga City, Pilar, Orion, Limay, Mariveles, Bagac and Morong.
Raymundo urged the national government to continue high level talks on issues regarding the West Philippines Sea.
“Ang kailangan talagang usap lang kasi hindi natin malaman ang sistema na sinasabi nating inaangkin natin at inaayunan naman tayo ng international tribunal na talagang karapatan natin yung sa ating teritoryo sa WPS na hindi naman pinaniniwalaan ng kaibigan nating bansa na China,” he said.
“Yung bangayan sa mga teritoryo medyo palagay ko talagang hindi magkakaintindihan dahil isa’t isa may sariling pananaw na hindi iginagalang ang rule of court,” Raymundo said. He emphasized, however, that talks should continue.
The combined maritime drills by the three countries last from June 1 – 7, 2023. (30)
