South China Sea: Philippines deploys ‘Angels’ to ease tensions with words not weapons
‘A woman’s patience, composure and the ability to respond or to communicate with empathy makes us unique,’ a member of the Angels of the Sea team says
The 152-centimetre-tall (five feet) radio operator is one of the Philippine coastguard’s 81 “Angels of the Sea”, graduates of an all-women training programme aimed at defusing encounters in the critical waterway.
“China coastguard vessel 5303, this is Philippine coastguard vessel BRP Bagacay MRRV-4410. You are advised that you are currently sailing within the Philippine exclusive economic zone,” she said during an encounter videotaped last month.
“You are directed to depart immediately and notify us of your intention.”
Villalon’s action during the incident was precisely what the coastguard envisioned when it launched the Angels programme four years ago.