US open to escort Philippine resupply missions in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Sending US ships to escort Philippine vessels on supply missions in the West Philippine Sea is “an entirely reasonable option,” the chief of the US Indo-Pacific Command said yesterday.

Admiral Samuel Paparo made the remarks on the sidelines of a defense forum in Manila, in response to a media query whether Washington would consider providing escorts to Philippine ships taking supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre or to land features in the West Philippine Sea occupied by Filipinos.

“I mean certainly, within the context of consultations,” Paparo added, without giving details of ships likely to be employed for the task.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., however, said the Philippines prefers to run those missions on its own, making every effort to ensure their success despite China’s “dangerous” and “coercive” actions.

“We are going to try all options, all avenues that are available to us,” Brawner told reporters. “While we can do it by ourselves, we will do it.”

But the Philippines would seek alternatives if it found itself constrained from doing so, he added.

“It’s not just perhaps operating with the United States, but also with other like-minded nations,” he pointed out.

After the forum, Paparo paid a courtesy call on President Marcos at Malacañang.

“I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of you... We have many subjects to discuss for the United States and for the Philippines,” the President told the US military official.

“I’m glad that you are able to find time to tour with us in the Philippines. I understand that you were going to visit some sites and one of the EDCA sites so you will see the true situation on the ground,” he added, referring to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Malacañang has yet to release additional details about the meeting, which was also attended by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Brawner and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.

Paparo’s remarks came on the heels of maritime and air confrontations between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea in the past week.

At the forum organized by the US Indo-Pacific Command, Teodoro