Philippine Defense to Protect Drilling Operation by British firm in Recto bank

The British firm who will be conducting operations (drilling) in recto in which Chinas has strong antagonism to the project will be back up by the Philippine defense department.

“Within our territory we will be enforcing necessary protection for the drilling operations by the British Company” this is what Gazmin the Defense Secretary said during an interview conducted by reporters.

“There is no need to seek permission from them (referring to China), Recto is within our Philippine Territory.” He said, “When you seek for permission, it only explains that we have no right on it and the area is not ours” Gazmin Added.

The Recto bank is within 80 miles from Palawan and this was considered as site for our exploration projects. This were also claimed by China in which this falls on our exclusive economic zone, as of today we are waiting for the arbitral court’s decision for us to determine who is entitled on that area.

Philippine Energy Department granted a 1 year extension allowing the British firm conducts its drilling operations until August of 2016. But China insists that the drilling extension granted was “invalid and illegal” and they insist that Philippine government should ask for its permission to the Chinese government.

The Philippine military will continue to keep an eye on the area, while our Philippine government addresses its dispute case diplomatically. General Catapang of Armed Forces assures that we won’t lose Recto to outside intruders.