US Congress official relays regrets over USS Guardian incident

source: www.gmanetwork.com

US House foreign affairs committee chairman Congressman Ed Royce has relayed his regrets to Philippine House of Representatives officials over the US minesweeper USS Guardian's running aground at Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17.

Royce, who is leading a US Congressional delegation visiting the Philippines this week, also committed to protect the environment and assured the Philippines of US cooperation, a ranking US Embassy official tweeted Wednesday.

"In Royce('s) meeting with (House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and 11 members), (he) expressed regrets regarding the USS Guardian accident, (and) commitment to protect environment and close cooperation with the Philippine governmnet," US Embassy deputy chief of mission Brian Goldbeck said on his Twitter account.

Goldbeck also said Royce noted his first trip as chairman to Asia, including the Philippines, was "important."

Royce and his delegation are visiting the Philippines from Jan. 28 to 30.

A news release from the Philippine embassy in Washington said the delegation will also meet with President Benigno Aquino III, and with the business community.

This is Royce's first visit to the Philippines.

Royce is a Republican representing the 39th District of California and newly selected chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in the 113th US Congress.

The embassy said he has been one of the strongest supporters in the US Congress of closer Philippine-US relations, particularly on security and economic cooperation.

"He is also supportive of President Aquino’s efforts in fighting corruption, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting human rights," the embassy said.

When he met with Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.  last Jan. 17, Royce had reiterated his support for the Philippines’ rules-based approach to the West Philippine Sea issue and the peaceful resolution of disputes within the framework of international law.

The US delegation also includes Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-New York), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-New York), Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Florida), Congressman Matthew James “Matt” Salmon (R-Arizona), and Congressman Thomas Anthony “Tom” Marino (R-Pennsylvania). —KG, GMA News