PH MILITARY, FISHERFOLKS BRAVE CHINA’S ARREST THREAT

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Despite the threat of China Coast Guard to detain effective June 15, 2024 “foreign trespassers” in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that it also claims, a group of fishermen sailed on Friday and Saturday to the Bajo de Masinloc, also called Panatag and Scarborough Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

On Sunday (16 June 2024), the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said in a radio interview that it will continue to monitor the WPS as China starts implementing a policy that would allow them to detain foreigners trespassing in the South China Sea for up to 60 days without trial.

“Patuloy lang talaga ang ating maritime patrol to ensure na namo-monitor natin lahat ng activities both in the air and on the sea, dito sa ating exclusive economic zone, pati na rin sa ating territorial waters,” PAF spokesperson Colonel Maria Consuelo Castillo said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

She stressed that conducting maritime patrols over the Philippines’ territorial waters and the features within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is inherent in the duties of the country’s air force.

For its part, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said China’s anti-trespassing policy in the South China Sea, which overlaps with the country’s exclusive economic zone, has no basis.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintained that the Philippines will not be deterred or intimidated by China’s threat.

“China’s so-called anti-trespassing policy undermines the rule of law and international norms that govern maritime conduct. The presence and actions of its vessels in our waters are illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive,” the AFP stood firm.

Meanwhile, a group of fishermen left Masinloc town in Zambales province on Friday (14 June 2024) and Saturday (15 June 2024) for days of expedition in the tense waters amid reports of increased presence of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and arrest threats.

“Awa ng Diyos po, kagabi, merong maraming pumalaot kagabi at kahapon, marami pong nagpang-araw. Sa ngayon, marami na naman pong pumalaot na nagpang-araw at nangangawil sila sa mga lugar ng mga payao diyan sa West Philippine Sea,” New Masinloc Fishermen Association President Leonardo Cuaresma said when interviewed by ABS-CBN News.

(el Amigo/mnm)