A PRAGMATIC approach is always the best solution to resolve any conflict.
On January 17 last year, the US Navy minesweeper, USS Guardian ran aground the Tubbattaha Reef while on its way Puerto Princesa.
The USS Guardian hit the Philippines’ largest marine protected area and caused damage to an estimated 2,345.67 square meters of coral reefs in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After being stuck for more than two months, the United States successfully removed the obstacle, even if it meant cutting a $277-million world-class warship into pieces.
The Philippine government has yet to receive $1.5 million in compensation from the US, for the damages caused to the reef.
What could have been a prompt reminder turned into a breach of protocol, when Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) top executive Angelique Songco, reminded the US government to pay their dues, through notification letters sent to the US Embassy in Manila.
According to Songco, they were told by the US government that TMO did not comply with protocol. However, Songco maintained that the Department of Foreign Affairs is in the loop, regarding TMO’s communication with the US government, since they were also furnished with copies.
The US government’s initial response to previous follow-ups was that they were willing to pay for damages, said Songco.
However, recently, TMO was advised that there is a new claim process to be followed to make the settlement.
“The amount is probably little to them, but it means the world to us, to Tubbataha to maintain its protection,” Songco told a local radio interview. She reminded the US government to “actualize, not verbalize” their willingness to settle the damages.
”This is really unfair. The USS Guardian caused the damage, however, it is the Philippines and Tubbataha that have to beg to be paid,” Songco said.
Songco reiterated her plea, especially for this year. The TMO funds for the maintenance of Tubbataha Reef (which are collected from donors, supporters and patrons) are running low.
Meanwhile, Malacañang assured that the Philippine government remains committed to pursuing claims, to compensate for the damages.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte assured that the Philippine government and US authorities had good discussions on the issue of compensation.
This situation not only tests the Philippine government’s mettle, it also serves as a reminder that damages of this extent require long-term rehabilitation.
On a side note, only three months after the USS Guardian hit Tubbataha, a Chinese fishing boat also ran aground on the northern part of the reef. The Philippine Coast Guard later found 400 boxes loaded with pangolins inside the Chinese vessel. The 12 crewmen were charged with poaching and other violations of the marine park’s rules.
As much as the Tubbataha Reef mishaps call for a swift conclusion, it is also necessary for Tubbataha Reef local authorities and the Philippine government to come up with a better system to secure and protect the World Heritage Site.
(AJPress)