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BY JOHNNY NOVERA
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THERE was a news report a few days ago that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon is calling to a hearing both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to clarify allegations made by incumbent Zambales governor Amor D. Deloso that China used Philippine soil and rocks from two mountains in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, in expanding Scarborough Shoal and build a controversial military base and airport.
Deloso took over the governorship of Zambales on July 1, 2016, from Hermogenes E. Ebdane who did not attend but sent only his counsel. If what he is saying is correct, then there is a serious breach to national security and this can be treasonous.
We have written several articles calling attention to the needed defense of our seas and our neglect to improve and develop our Navy and protect an archipelago of 7,507 islands.
In our column on Aug. 13, 2013, “Shipbuilding must be pursued”, we mentioned of Philippine Navy Commander Ramon Alcaraz who strongly recommended when he retired that our Navy must be given a primary role in our defense set-up since we are a country of many islands. Funny, the recommendation was made 40 years ago when he retired but nothing much was done to improve our navy up to now.
On July 28, 2015, we wrote “Upgrade our Sea Defense” as we commented on the speech of President Noynoy Aquino III on July 14, 2015, during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) change of command. During the ceremonies, he took pride of two navy boats that we acquired even if they were the two oldest vessels from the US fleet that we bought and merely reconditioned for our use.
Another article, “Serious Breach of National Security”, dated Aug. 4, 2015, was our reaction to two tubal objects that a group of fishermen found floating off the coast of Zambales – one about 150 meters long and another 700 meters – possibly pulled to the area by a big barge. Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Dr. Paul Galvez said he will investigate but we heard no further about it.
Finally, on April 6, 2016 we reiterated our views in another article titled, “Shift our Defense Strategy to our Waters and Seas.”
Now, back to the hauling of soil and rocks by the Chinese from our very own mountains in Sta. Cruz, Zambales, being investigated by the Senate. What happened also to the investigation of DND on the floating tubal objects found off the coast of Zambales?
What is very embarrassing here is the report that mining permits were granted by the province to the Chinese who used 999 trucks to haul soil and rocks to the Sta. Cruz harbor night and day for almost two years. They could be the same materials brought to Scarborough Shoal.
If found true, can you blame China for not taking us seriously on our claim even if we have an international court decision in our favor? (For comments or reactions, please e-mail to jnoveracompany@yahoo.com)/PN
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