The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that the incident at Tubbataha involving the Guardian raised more questions against the unhampered entry and permanent presence of US forces in the country under the VFA.
“The violations being committed by US warships in the country through the VFA are already disturbing and our officials should have the political will to decisively make them accountable,” Bayan Muna secretary general Renato Reyes said in a statement.
“The Tubbataha case points directly to the US Navy. They have no more excuses,” Reyes said.
Bayan also questioned what the Guardian was doing in the Tubbataha area and the true nature of its visit.
“What was its mission in Palawan? Is the US operating a base there? What was the approved joint activity that allowed the US to move around our waters? More importantly, what is the Philippine government going to do regarding this incident?” Reyes asked. TJ Burgonio