I would like to clarify specific statements attributed to me in the article titled “Balikatan bad for ecology, experts say.” (Inquirer, 4/17/12) I responded to Inquirer reporter Kristine Alave’s query regarding the consequences of a conflict situation in Scarborough Shoal. This was through a phone conversation which, unfortunately, was taken out of context in the article.
I mentioned that it would be bad for the marine environment since explosive activities would destroy the coral reefs. However, I did not refer specifically to the Balikatan exercises. In fact, I did not know that there was a Balikatan at the time of the call. The reduction of shark population in the Spratlys was in reference to the reports by members of the Philippine Navy stationed in the area where they saw finless sharks beached there. This decline is observed to be related to unregulated fishing activity, and not due to military activity.
I did mention to her that it would be better if she contacted me about her queries through e-mail, so as to avoid taking phone interviews out of context. I do believe that conservation efforts and designating Marine Protected Areas in disputed areas are important and could be ways to establish confidence among conflicting parties. Further, sustainable fishing will be promoted and will benefit fishers in the long run.
In addition, I would like to mention that I am not an employee of Conservation International and cannot speak for the organization.
—DR. PORFIRIO M. ALIÑO,
professor,University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute