(Eagle News) — The Philippine Rise is ours.
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, May 15, reiterated this as he sent off a group of Filipino scientists to the submerged continental shelf off the province of Aurora.
The President also dispelled information he would jet ski to the area which China has said houses “Chinese second-chain islands,” choosing to hold the send-off ceremonies on board the BRP Davao del Sur instead.
The ship was at that time off the waters of Casiguran.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, even if this was the case, the President was able to send across his message.
He said going to the undersea plateau, after all, was not feasible.
“Mapupuntahan mo lang ang tubig sa ibabaw ng Philippine Rise,” he said.
During his speech, the President also gave the 50 Filipino scientists who are slated to conduct a research and marine exploration, “unrestrained” access to government resources for their study.
In April 2012, the United Nations approved the Philippines’ claim over the Rise.
