Community briefed on Scarborough Shoal stand-off

July 2, 2012 Filed under Global Posted by TFA News

Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis addressing the forum with (L-R) APSL head Chris Pilao, GFA chair Lolita Farmer, and APCO founding president Cen Amores. // TFA Photo

By Romy Cayabyab and Josie Musa

“Our stand has always been to call for a rules-based approach because we believe this is the means to a peaceful and fair resolution,” said Philippine Consular General Anne Jalando-on Louis in an information briefing held last Saturday June 30 on the Scarborough Shoal issue.

The briefing, held in Liverpool, was organised by the Alliance of Philippine Community Organisations (APCO) and the Philippine Consulate General “to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Philippine position” on the stand-off between the Philippines and China, both claiming sovereignty, over Scarborough Shoal.

The conflict started last April 10 after a Chinese maritime surveillance ship prevented the arrest of Chinese fishermen by the Philippine Navy who reported to have sighted them engaged in illegal fishing in the shoal two days earlier.

Scarborough Shoal also known as Panatag or Bajo de Masinloc is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales province in the Philippines, and 472 nautical miles off China’s Hainan province.

“We seek to de-escalate tension and continue to explore peaceful solutions while safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and national interest,” said Consul General Jalando-on Louis, adding that China however has rejected efforts to resolve and settle the issue in appropriate international fora.

“As we speak today, there are reports that Chinese vessels are still present in the shoal. There are no longer any Philippine vessels in the area,” the consul general added.

'Filipino Australian community members are also stakeholders...' //TFA Photo

Other members of the community also invited to speak included Australia Philippines Services League commander Col (ret) Chris Pilao, Global Filipinos Australia chair Lolita Farmer, Australian Military Police Reserve major Tom Baena, and radio broadcaster Joseph Orbase.

One question raised during the open forum was what options are available to the Philippine government in case diplomatic talks fail.

Contributing speakers Mr Pilao and Mrs Farmer both suggested the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOFVA) with Australia, now pending in the Philippine Senate, should be ratified.

SOVFA is the Philippine leverage in the region, said Mrs Farmer who also wrote in an article published at The Filipino Australian arguing a case to ratify the agreement.

The Agreement will be put to vote for third reading when the Philippine Senate resumes this month.

In an interview yesterday with The Filipino Australian, Mr Pilao said, “It is about time that some of our politicians in the Philippines abandon their isolationist policy and look at reality.”

“We need alliances like the SOVFA to prevent bullying tactics by other countries on the Philippines,” Mr Pilao added.

About 80 members of the community including APCO and PCC-NSW officers, Philippine Sydney consulate staff, and Filipino Australian media representatives attended the briefing.

After the forum... // Photo courtesy of Gerry Musa

[Click photo to zoom in]

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A previous TFA report on the Philippine position on the Scarborough Shoal issue is available here.

2 Responses to Community briefed on Scarborough Shoal stand-off

Lolita Farmer

July 2, 2012 - 11:39 am

It was an informative forum on the current Scarborough shoal issue coming from the Philippine Consulate and the community. The participation came from community members of different organisations.Though representing differents groups there was unity in a common goal the protection of Philippine territory through peaceful negotiations. yes, Scarborough Shoal is Philippine territoty.

My commendation also goes to the staff of the Philippine Consulate for OAV and dual citizenship registration.

GFA is supportive and sends community members to the Consulate for the registration. I was informed that several of them took oath before Consul Angeles last Thursday.

APCO congratulations! Jhun, Cen & all ‘salute’.

Cen Amores

July 2, 2012 - 12:47 pm

The information session and public forum on the Scarborough Shoal stand-off was a welcome opportunity for the Fil-Oz community in Sydney to be clarified on the history,official stand of the Philippine government on this issue,the strategies used to bring about a peaceful resolution of this issue. Hopefully, the community will come up with a united stand in support of our mother country’s territorial defence to the disputed part of Masinloc in the province of Zambales, Philippines.

Territorial integrity can not be compromised as it has long lasting implications politically, economically and diplomatically.

As the founding president of APCO and People of Australia Ambassador, I encourage all Filipino-Australians to join us in this peaceful crusade and assert ownership to what is rightfully ours.

Thank you to all our speakers, headed by Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Lolita Farmer, Major Tom Baena, Joseph Orbase and APSL Pres Chris Pilao as well as all the members of Sydney Press and all our kababayan representing various community organisations who participated in yesterday’s event.

The Overseas Absentee Voting registration manned yesterday by the whole staff of the Philippine Consulate in Sydney was in effect a good example of providing easy access to the Consulate’s services. We look forward to a continues healthy collaboration with the Philippine Consulate on matters/issues of significance to both the Philippines and Australia.

To the officers and members of APCO who helped in the preparation and took an active role in yesterday’s event, Maraming Salamat din sa inyong lahat.

Once again, APCO has demonstrated its concern to the greater community welfare.

MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT!!!