Tolentino says USS Blue Ridge visit shows strong PH-US ties
Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino is joined by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson and US Commander of the 7th Fleet Admiral Fred Kacher on board the USS Blue Ridge. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino.
MANILA, Philippines — The recent visit of USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the United States (US) 7th Fleet, is a sign of the strong ties between the Philippines and the United States, according to Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino.
Tolentino on Friday said that the Philippine-US relationship remains sturdy despite tensions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), including the recent confrontation between Filipino and Chinese forces.
According to the senator, he and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson welcomed the USS Blue Ridge to the South Harbor in Manila on Thursday and discussed the recent incidents.
“We talked about what happened the previous days, and this visit shows strong relations between the United States and the Philippines,” Tolentino said.
In his speech aboard the USS Blue Ridge, Tolentino said the visit is also timely since the Philippines commemorates the birth of hero Dr. Jose Rizal, who, through his works, espoused the importance of freedom and international order.
“I believe that this is a very timely and historic visit, not just a mere coincidence, because yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal,” Tolentino said.
“Friends, I think that the days ahead would be days of rough seas, challenges, and dark seas. But in the end, as what Dr. Rizal had envisioned — reason, resilience, freedom, and international order, as we call it today — would prevail. Mabuhay po ang pagkakaisa ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos [Long live the unity of the Philippines and the United States],” he added.
READ: Tolentino to Marcos: High time to convene National Security Council
At least eight Philippine Navy sailors were injured when China’s maritime force boarded a Philippine inflatable boat last Monday, seizing the firearms of the Navy personnel. One of the sailors reportedly got his finger cut off after the incident.
The Navy sailors were providing assistance to the rotation and resupply (Rore) mission to Ayungin Shoal, where troops are stationed.
READ: China ships ram, tow PH vessels at Ayungin
According to the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, Chinese ships also rammed and towed the Philippine vessels — causing damage and endangering the lives of Filipino sailors.
READ: Escudero: Philippines must seek more ways to deal with China
Different personalities have already condemned China’s actions over the WPS. Carlson called out China on Monday for its aggressive maneuvers in the area, which has caused “bodily injury” against naval personnel.
READ: US condemns China over Ayungin incident which caused ‘bodily injury’
Senate President Francis Escudero meanwhile said Philippine authorities must find other means to deal with China amid continuously rising tension in the WPS. For Tolentino, he urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to convene the National Security Council to discuss this issue.
