By Grace Gajetes

Published: June 16, 2012

Philippine President Aquino ordered last night that the two vessels guarding Scarborough Shoal would be  pulled out due to bad weather caused by Bagyong Butchoy and rainshowers brought by southwest monsoon (hanging habagat). Both the vessels of Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are currently docked to their home port.

This was confirmed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Albert Del Rosario today.

“Last night, President Aquino ordered both of our ships to return to port due to increasing bad weather,” said Del Rosario.

“When weather improves, a re-evaluation will be made,” he added.

The two vessels were deployed starting April this year by the order of the President due to the standoff between the Philippines and China after Chinese fishermen entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The tension hasn’t been resolved yet but both governments are working together for a compromise.