MANILA, Philippines — Following a recent confrontation in the West Philippine Sea, Senator Francis Tolentino called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to foster research and development collaborations with maritime nations, aiming to strengthen international support and peaceful engagement in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, such partnerships could extend beyond traditional defense allies, involving countries with significant expertise in marine science, like Norway and the Netherlands, despite the absence of formal defense treaties with the Philippines. These alliances would focus on peaceful marine research and uphold international law norms, offering a constructive response to the challenges faced in the West Philippine Sea.
The senator's proposal comes in the aftermath of a water cannon attack on a Philippine resupply mission, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the area. Tolentino emphasized the importance of maintaining a presence in the region, ensuring continuous supply deliveries to Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal, whether by air or sea.
This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, recently passed by the Senate and sponsored by Tolentino. The legislation aims to reinforce the Philippines' maritime claims and provides a legal framework for leveraging ocean resources and managing maritime spaces, particularly amid territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
By advocating for these research and development pacts, Tolentino underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to maritime diplomacy, one that engages a broader array of international partners in the pursuit of stability, scientific collaboration, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.