By ROY C. MABASA
The Philippines has reaffirmed its legal right to carry out routine maritime patrols in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ), in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.
Reports from April 18-24, 2023 indicated that Chinese vessels, including maritime militia vessels, have been interfering with these patrols, posing serious risks to the safety of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel.
“On April 23, in waters around Ayungin Shoal, China Coast Guard vessel No, 5201 came within 50 years of the BRP Malapascua, blocking the later’s path and exposing the Philippine vessels crew to serious danger,” said DFA Spokesperson Maria Teresita Daza, adding that similar maneuvers were documented on April 19, involving CCG 5201 and 4202, and the BRP Malapascua while the latter was en route to Ayungin Shoal.
During the seven-day patrol in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG identified over 100 alleged Chinese Maritime Militia vessels, a People’s Liberation Army Navy corvette class, and two China Coast Guard vessels.
Despite numerous radio challenges by the PCG, the Chinese vessels “did not respond or comply with orders to leave the area immediately”.
In one incident, a China Coast Guard vessel reportedly came within 50 yards of a PCG vessel, blocking its path and exposing the crew to danger.
The Philippines has submitted a report to the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS), highlighting the presence of a Chinese warship, the continued appearance of alleged Chinese Maritime Militia vessels within the Philippines’ EEZ, and the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard against PCG vessels.
“We again call on China to respect the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea as provided by UNCLOS, and refrain from actions that may lead to an untoward incident,” Daza said.
Philippine authorities repeatedly said that it will continue to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and ensure the safety of its vessels and personnel in the West Philippine Sea.
In July 2016, the Philippines won in the Arbitral Tribunal over China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
China, however, refused to recognize the ruling.
