GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Former Sen. Manny Pacquiao backed the expedition to the West Philippine Sea launched by civilian groups which asserted the territorial integrity of the Philippines within the disputed maritime boundary.
PACQUIAO (FB)
Pacquiao, a reservist colonel of the Philippine Army, said that he personally supports the patriotic voyage organized by civilian volunteers who sailed to Ayungin Shoal at the West Philippines Sea on December 10 purportedly as a gesture of support to the government’s territorial claim on the disputed territory.
The boxing icon-turned-politician made the remarks during the command conference here over the weekend among Army reservist personnel belonging to the 2203rd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade which he serves as the commander.
Pacquiao said that he called the conference to assess the readiness of Army reservists in Region 12 or the Soccksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos area) are in responding to disaster and emergency situation and the availability of equipment and facilities in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
He said that military reservists are not tasked for deployment in the disputed West Philippine Sea but should instead enhance their readiness and capabilities to respond to any eventualities which may arise from the ongoing maritime territorial dispute between the Philippines and China.
During the conference with Army reservists, Pacquiao donated uniform and combat shoes for personnel of the 2203rd Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade as he promised to provide training facilities and vehicles for the Reserve Unit next year.
Pacquiao stressed that military reservists are not entitled to receive salaries and allowances from the Armed Forces of the Philippines but they serve as volunteers for humanitarian and security mission to help defend the sovereignty of country in times of war.