By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Calling it an intimidation tactic, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has assailed China’s new regulation allowing its coast guard to detain trespassers in what it considers its territorial water without trial.
This was learned from an article published by the South China Morning Post on May 16, Thursday.
“This rule only sought to discourage Filipinos from doing legitimate activities in the West Philippine Sea. Isa na namang pananakot ito ng Chinese government, to discourage these kinds of activities,” PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
The article in the South China Morning Post said that this was “the first time a specific regulation has clarified the Coast Guard force’s law enforcement procedure for administrative detentions.”
“Definitely these are things na masasabi nating illegal na aksyon ng China. The mere fact that they claim all sovereignty over our exclusive economic zone at ang jina-justify lang naman nila ay yung imaginary nine-dash line nila. Definitely, it is not only the Philippines that will be affected by this kind of domestic law na ginawa nila,” Tarriela quipped.
He added that they were keen on protecting Filipino fishermen notwithstanding the new rule that seemed to be intimidating.
“We will still strategically deploy our Coast Guard vessels to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen. Ang Coast Guard ay mananatiling nagpapatrolya dito. Sisiguraduhin na ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino natin ay malayang makakapangisda sa exclusive economic zone natin,” Tarriela stood firm.
(el Amigo/MNM)
