PH Navy reaffirms commitment to peaceful resolution of SCS row

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MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) reaffirmed its commitment to the adherence to international law in the settling of disputes in the South China Sea (SCS).

PN Chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, made the assurance during the Virtual Key Leaders Engagement with Chiefs of Regional Navies hosted by the US Pacific Fleet late Friday.

Bacordo echoed the earlier statement of President Rodrigo Duterte during the 75th United Nations General Assembly that “the (2016 Arbitral) Award is now part of international law, beyond compromise and beyond the reach of passing governments to dilute, diminish, or abandon. We firmly reject attempts to undermine it.”

“The Commander-in-Chief’s guidance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines is crystal clear. But in doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and the adherence to international laws,” he said in a statement.

Bacordo added that the Navy is playing a major role in helping the government contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He also apprised all participants of the impact of the unprecedented situation on the PN regarding its international defense and security engagements in the region.

US Pacific Fleet commander, Admiral John C. Aquilino, invited the regional heads of Navy in a virtual conference to discuss the outlooks and perspectives in the Covid-19 environment.

The Navy chiefs of Bangladesh, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Tonga, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States participated in the multilateral engagement.

The PN’s participation is a manifestation of its unfaltering commitment and firm dedication in promoting stability and cooperation in the region and strengthening ties and friendship with other navies, Bacordo said.