MANILA – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela on Tuesday (18 Feb 2025) denied referring to Sagip Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta as a “traitor” after the lawmaker claimed there is no such thing as the West Philippine Sea (WPS), asserting that it is merely part of the South China Sea.
During a House Tri Committee hearing, Marcoleta expressed frustration over accusations from social media users labeling him a traitor, following his statement that the WPS is not recognized internationally or present on any official maps.
In response, Tarriela clarified, “I did not use the word ‘traitor’ to describe your remarks about the WPS being a ‘figment of the imagination,'” referring to Marcoleta’s earlier statement. He emphasized his position, quoting a post from X (formerly Twitter): “I stand by the statement of President Marcos that the West Philippine Sea is not just a figment of imagination; it is ours and will remain ours as long as the spirit of our beloved country burns.”
Tarriela expressed concern about Marcoleta’s statement, which he considered damaging to the Philippines’ territorial claim and an embarrassment to both the lawmaker’s party and family. He criticized the idea of dismissing the WPS as non-existent, suggesting it would undermine future generations’ efforts to assert their rights over the country’s exclusive economic zone.
However, Marcoleta maintained his stance that the WPS is not yet an internationally recognized entity, as it has not been registered with the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). He also criticized Tarriela for not clarifying the issue sooner, stressing that his reputation was at stake due to the ongoing misconception.
Tarriela responded, stating that he had no obligation to defend Marcoleta from social media accusations, especially since the lawmaker is a candidate for the Senate under the slate of former president Rodrigo Duterte. He also questioned why he should defend someone who had called him a “fool” and “ignorant” in public interviews.
Marcoleta reiterated his request for Tarriela to publicly deny calling him a traitor, pointing out that his silence had led to widespread misinformation. He further explained that he wanted to clarify that the WPS has not yet been officially registered, and recent legislative measures were merely preparatory for future registration.
To address the growing concerns, Marcoleta proposed that misinformation, particularly from social media influencers, should be avoided. He reiterated that while the WPS belongs to the Philippines, efforts should be made to officially register the name to prevent future misconceptions.
Tarriela, in turn, advocated for legislation to combat online disinformation, particularly regarding the WPS. He stressed the detrimental effects of fake news and misinformation, which not only confuse the public but also hinder national efforts to assert sovereignty in the region.
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MANILA – Canada will take part in the upcoming multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, announced Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman on February 7, 2025, following the port call of the HMCS Ottawa in Manila.
The ship, part of Canada’s ongoing Indo-Pacific strategy, will join the 7th Philippine-led MMCA within the country’s exclusive economic zone later this week. “At every opportunity, we’ve worked with the Philippine Navy and other partners to engage in multilateral activities,” Hartman said, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic presence in the region.
The HMCS Ottawa’s visit, its first for the year, includes military exchanges, outreach, and friendly sports games with the Philippine Navy. The ship’s crew also participated in professional training and development activities.
“These visits help deepen the strong ties between Canada and the Philippines,” said Commander Adriano Lozer of HMCS Ottawa. “They reinforce the Royal Canadian Navy’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.”
Canada continues to voice its opposition to China’s actions in the South China Sea and the West Philippine Sea, advocating for the rules-based international order. The last MMCA, held on February 5, involved naval and air force units from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States.
The HMCS Ottawa is part of Operation HORIZON, Canada’s effort to maintain peace and stability in critical global waterways. The ship is equipped with advanced anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare capabilities, and its crew includes personnel of Philippine descent.
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MANILA – Two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels, BRP Datu Pagbuaya and BRP Datu Bankaw, suspended their marine scientific research (MSR) and sand sampling operations in the Pag-Asa cays after encountering harassment from China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) helicopter on Friday morning.
The incident involved CCG vessels 4106, 5103, and 4202; four smaller CCG boats; and a PLAN helicopter (tail number 24). The BFAR mission aimed to conduct research and collect sand samples from Sandy Cay and nearby sandbars, located five to six nautical miles off Pag-Asa Island.
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, the harassment included “aggressive maneuvers” by the CCG vessels, which violated international maritime collision prevention regulations.
The PLAN helicopter added to the provocation by flying dangerously low over BFAR inflatable boats transporting personnel, creating hazardous conditions due to the rotor wash.
“Due to the continuous harassment and disregard for safety by Chinese maritime forces, BFAR and PCG regrettably suspended their survey operations,” Tarriela said in a press briefing on Saturday. He described the actions as “aggressive and escalatory.”
This marks the second time this year that PLAN helicopters have hovered over Philippine government vessels, with the first incident occurring 70 nautical miles off Zambales.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ed De Vega announced that another diplomatic protest would be filed following the incident, emphasizing that such actions are unacceptable.
Pag-Asa Island and its surrounding cays have been the site of regular sand sampling by Philippine authorities to monitor environmental degradation.
The escalating tensions underscore the Philippines’ ongoing challenges in asserting its maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea.
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MANILA – On January 17-18, 2025, naval and air units from the Philippines and the United States participated in the first maritime cooperative activity (MCA) of the year in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as announced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday (19 Jan 2025).
According to AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the exercise took place off Palawan, under the direction of the US Indo-Pacific Command. Philippine assets involved in the operation included the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), two FA-50 fighter aircraft, and Philippine Air Force search-and-rescue assets.
The United States was represented by the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) carrier strike group, which included the USS Princeton (CG-59) guided missile cruiser, the USS Sterett (DDG-104) guided missile destroyer, an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter, a V-22 Osprey helicopter, and two F-18 Hornet jet fighters.
On January 17, the forces conducted a communications check, division tactics/officer-of-the-watch maneuver, and a photo exercise. The following day, the exercises continued with dissimilar aircraft combat training, showcasing joint tactical operations and interoperability.
This MCA represents the fifth such exercise since November 2023, reinforcing the growing defense collaboration between the AFP and US military.
In a statement, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the importance of the MCA in strengthening defense ties with the US, saying, “With each exercise, we become increasingly prepared and effective in addressing regional challenges. This activity highlights our shared commitment to safeguarding our national interests and ensuring a peaceful and secure region.”
The ongoing exercises aim to enhance the preparedness and capability of both forces in maritime defense operations and demonstrate their mutual dedication to regional stability.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Tension gripped the West Philippine Sea again when two Chinese warships allegedly harassed two vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) by tailing them and pointed lasers at a plane of the same agency in the contested waters on Monday (30 September 2024).
It was gathered that two missile boats of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China tailed BFAR’s BRP Datu Matanam Taradapit and BRP Datu Romapenet.
One of the Chinese warships also pointed a laser at the BFAR plane.
In response, BFAR plane pilots issued a radio challenge to the Chinese missile boat but it did not answer.
Aside from this, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 21555 was also spotted in the area.
Dr. Chester Cabalza, director and founder of International Development and Security Cooperation, said the latest Chinese maritime aggression was alarming and unexpected.
“Nakakabahala itong insidente na ito lalong-lalo na missile ship ang nag-shadow sa ating BFAR ship. Hindi ito expected na nangyayari dahil alam natin na kapag grey ship, tulad ng missile ship na nakita natin, nagpapakita ng ngipin at lakas ang China,” Cabalza said.
The non-profit military association US Naval Institute said the Houbei-class guided-missile craft from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is noticeable by its blue camouflage paint scheme.
It added that the Houbei-class guided-missile craft could carry up to 12 crew members and 8 anti-ship cruise missiles.
Cabalza noted that China wanted to “build some fear” and intimidate Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – Despite ongoing efforts by the Philippines to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels reportedly rammed and fired water cannons at a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship on Sunday (25 Aug 2024) afternoon at Escoda Shoal, a contested area within the broader South China Sea.
This incident occurred despite an international ruling invalidating China’s claims based on its nine-dash line.
Initial reports indicated that the BFAR ship, BRP Datu Sanday, had sailed to Escoda Shoal to deliver fuel and supplies to fishermen operating near the area.
At least five CCG vessels began shadowing the BFAR ship as early as 10 a.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Reports suggest that some journalists were on board the BRP Datu Sanday when the ramming occurred. However, no immediate reports of damage or injuries have been confirmed.
Earlier on Sunday, prior to the incident, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its presence in the West Philippine Sea.
Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, stated that the Philippines would continue to assert its rights amid China’s ongoing acts of aggression.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the latest collision between Philippine and Chinese vessels, the Philippine Navy on Tuesday (20 August 2924) expressed belief that the Escoda or Sabina Shoal is not a “new flashpoint” in the West Philippine Sea.
“Sabina or Escoda Shoal is not a new flashpoint,” Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press conference.
However, he maintained that the illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), Coast Guard (CCG), and maritime militia vessels are the “cause of all the dynamics in the WPS.”
“The presence of the CCG, the maritime militia, and the PLAN is illegal. Their actions are coercive and aggressive. Their messages are deceptive. These are the cause of all the dynamics in the WPS,” Trinidad said.
He noted that the collisions between the Philippine Coast Guard and CCG ships near Escoda Shoal on Monday were the first in recent memory.
“All of the actions of the PLAN, the CCG, and the maritime militia will be below the threshold of conflict. It will not reach the point that they will initiate escalation to the point of conflict,” Trinidad said.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday (13 Aug 2024) revealed that the number of Chinese military, Coast Guard, and research ships monitored in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has increased.
It noted that from August 6 to 12, there were nine People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, 13 China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, and two research vessels in the WPS.
The PN said these are higher compared to the three PLAN ships, 12 CCG vessels, and one research ship monitored in the previous week.
However, the number of Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels decreased from 106 to 68.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with American congressmen on Saturday to discuss the Philippines-U.S. strategic relationship and security alliance.
According to the United States Embassy in the Philippines, Teodoro met with Representatives Michael T. McCaul (Republican-Texas) and Addison Graves Wilson (Republican-South Carolina, 2nd District), both members of the United States Congressional Delegation (CODEL).
On Friday, August 9, 2024, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also met with the U.S. CODEL, expressing gratitude to the American lawmakers for their support and partnership amid the “new challenges” in the region.
McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Homeland Security, assured Marcos Jr. of continued Foreign Military Financing (FMF) support.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard conducted their first-ever joint maritime exercise on Friday (09 Aug 2024) marking a historic collaboration aimed at showcasing their emergency response capabilities.
The exercise was held eight nautical miles from Corregidor Island at the mouth of Manila Bay.
Despite their respective territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea, the joint activity sought to enhance the interoperability and operational readiness of both coast guards, as active member states of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF).
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the exercises included search and rescue operations, fire and explosion prevention drills, and a passing exercise.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed on Tuesday (06 Aug 2024) that the number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea has increased from 102 to 122.
In a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla reported that a total of 122 Chinese Coast Guard, People’s Liberation Army Navy, and maritime militia vessels were observed in Philippine waters from July 30 to August 5.
These vessels were located in areas including Bajo de Masinloc, Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Islands, Escoda Shoal, and Rozul Reef.
“We challenge all foreign vessels. On the matter of enforcing maritime law, we leave it up to the Philippine Coast Guard,” said Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad.
This figure marks an increase from the 102 Chinese vessels spotted from July 23 to 29.
Included in the 122 vessels was China’s multi-purpose oceanographic research vessel Ke Xue San Hao in Escoda.
“The whole picture is that in the entire West Philippine Sea, we have monitored the presence of PLA Navy, the Chinese coast guard, and the maritime militia. Overall, their actions are illegal, their presence is illegal, sometimes they are coercive, aggressive, and deceptive,” Trinidad emphasized.
Despite an international tribunal ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, China continues to claim most of the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Notwithstanding the assertion of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr to defend the West Philippine Sea in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) that received the loudest applause and standing ovations from the gallery, the fisherfolks of Masinloc in Zambales were not so ecstatic as they have long been seeking government assistance on life insurance and larger boats as the China Coast Guard continues to control Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal), a resource-rich traditional fishing ground in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Leonardo Cuaresma, president of New Masinloc Fishermen Association, noted that the President only mentioned his programs on aquaculture and mariculture, which small-scale fishers do not have the capacity to do.
“Bagamat may mga ilang programa na kanyang nabanggit sa atin pong mga mangingisda, pero hindi po kami na-satisfy,” Cuaresma quipped in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo in a telephone interview shortly after PBBM delivered his SONA on Monday (22 July 2024).
He also said that it would have been better if the government has provided them with larger boats to help them sustain their fishing livelihood in the face of challenges from the China Coast Guard.
“Kung meron sana kaming magagandang sasakyang pandagat bukod sa makakatulong kami sa seguridad ng atin pong soberanya…ay makakatulong din ito para sa sustenableng pangkabuhayan po ng bawat mangingisdang Pilipino,” Cuaresma stressed.
Based on the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea, Bajo de Masinloc is a traditional fishing ground and no coastal nation should block access to it.
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MANILA – The Philippines and China have agreed on a provisional arrangement for the rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday (22 July 2024).
In a statement, the DFA confirmed that both nations concurred that the agreement would not affect their respective positions in the South China Sea.
“The Philippines and the People’s Republic of China have reached an understanding on the provisional arrangement for the resupply of daily necessities and rotation missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA said.
Both parties have emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions and manage differences through dialogue and consultation.
The specifics of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.
This agreement follows a series of consultations with China, including discussions at the 9th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea on July 2. It marks the first formal measure agreed upon by the two countries regarding Ayungin Shoal.
An unidentified Chinese Embassy official previously mentioned a “new model” with Manila, allowing an unhampered resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, limited to one Philippine boat and one escort coast guard vessel.
Before this arrangement, the DFA stated that the Philippines had not entered into any agreements with China regarding the feature. Only President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has the authority to approve or authorize deals related to the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea.
No US Involvement
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año clarified that the RORE missions will remain purely Philippine operations, though he appreciated US support and the assurance of their ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
“We appreciate the US support in all aspects, but there is no need for direct involvement of US forces in RORE missions at this time,” Año said.
National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya emphasized that the Philippine government would continue consulting the United States as a treaty ally but maintain RORE missions as a purely Philippine operation.
The officials’ statements followed White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s remarks that the US would support the Philippines to ensure the continuation of RORE missions.
“We will do what is necessary with the Philippines to see to it that [resupply missions] happen,” Sullivan said, affirming the US’s commitment to support the Philippines.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla expressed appreciation for Sullivan’s support, highlighting the enduring partnership between the two nations and the importance of the MDT in protecting Philippine assets in Ayungin Shoal.
“The AFP is committed to the welfare and readiness of our personnel in strategic locations like Ayungin Shoal. We value the support of the US and like-minded countries in fostering a peaceful and secure region based on international law,” she said.
“We remain committed to peaceful resolutions and will continue working with the US and other partners to uphold regional stability and our sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.”
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Days before the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey has bared that 60 percent of Filipinos said that government action is sufficient regarding the conduct of joint patrols and military exercises with allied nations and partners in the West Philippine Sea.
Since the assumption of Marcos Jr as the country’s Chief Executive, the Philippines has renewed stronger ties with the United States and other democratic nations in stark contrast with the previous Duterte administration which was closer to China.
The SWS survey — commissioned by the think tank Stratbase ADR Institute — polled 1,500 respondents from June 23 to July 1.
It also showed that 72 percent of Filipinos agreed that the government should create an alliance with other countries to defend the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — It seems that the proverbial Solomonic solution is needed to resolve the nagging issues between the Philippines and China.
What is this Solomonic solution?
No other than the joint energy exploration in the West Philippine Sea, according to some political pundits who requested anonymity.
China had reportedly agreed on a 60-40 sharing scheme in favor of the Philippines only if Manila will set aside the landmark Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling on the South China Sea,
It has remained firm in disregarding the legality of the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, calling the verdict was “illegal” and “invalid.”
But the Supreme Court had declared the country’s 2005-signed tripartite agreement with China and Vietnam for energy exploration in the disputed South China Sea void and unconstitutional for “allowing wholly-owned foreign corporations to participate in the exploration of the country’s natural resources.”
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that in order to prevent war — which is only big business for the western powers — a constitutional amendment that would allow joint exploration is imperative.
“The Philippine side clings onto this illegal, invalid arbitral award at the expense of its relations with China. By aligning itself with the US and some other Western countries on the South China Sea issue, the Philippines joined the small circle of the West ganging up against China,” the China Embassy statement read.
“To cling to this position and the arbitral award will get the Philippines nowhere but farther and farther away from the right path,” it added.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the bullying of China, the Philippines still wants a peaceful resolution in the West Philippine Sea.
“We don’t want war,” National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año emphasized on Friday (12 July 2024) when asked by reporters what to do with the aggressive actions of Chinese vessels in the WPS.
He pointed out that the Philippines rejects the “use of force” to undermine its interests in the WPS and has agreed with China to ease tensions in a contested shoal.
Año disclosed that efforts were underway to de-escalate tensions in the disputed waterway, where Manila and Beijing have accused each other of aggressive behavior involving their ships and of damaging the marine environment.
He said the way forward was to uphold the 2016 award and oppose efforts to undermine its significance.
“It is not and will never be a mere piece of paper,” he said, apparently chiding former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who ignored the award as he sought closer ties with China.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has reiterated her call to declare July 12 as West Philippine Sea Victory Day to commemorate the country’s triumph against China regarding portions of the sea.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that China’s “nine-dash line” was contrary to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to the resolution she filed.
The ruling also made clear that China had breached its obligations with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone.
“We should celebrate WPS Victory Day every year, not just to remember our 2016 win, but also as a way to assert our just and rightful ownership of the WPS. This is also an opportune time to show our biggest aggressor, China, that the Philippines will stand as one in the fight for our sovereignty. Ipakita natin na hindi niya tayo mapagwawatak-watak,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros said that the 2016 victory showed the world that “a small country like the Philippines can legally, peacefully, and diplomatically stand up to a big, autocratic country like China.”
“But Beijing’s continued threats and intimidation despite the ruling are also a sober reminder to the world that all those who believe in the international, rules-based order must actively come together to safeguard peace and security across the globe,” she added.
Hontiveros also led the Senate in adopting Proposed Senate Resolution 718, which urged the Executive, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to exhaust all diplomatic means – including going to the United Nations General Assembly – to stop China’s illegal activities in the WPS.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In an effort to reduce tensions following the Philippines’ description of recent hostile actions by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), maritime law expert Prof. Jay Batongbacal suggested on Sunday (June 23, 2024) that the Philippines considers expelling Chinese diplomats from Manila.
The maritime law expert pointed out that if China wants to start fresh, it should replace its Chinese representatives in the Philippines.
“We cannot speak to China through them because there is no trust concerning that staff,” Batongbacal said.
On Friday (21 June 2024), in a press briefing in Beijing, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the Philippines to properly manage disputes through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible.
“We urge the Philippines to stop making provocations and infringing on China’s sovereignty at once, and return to the right track of properly managing disputes through dialogue and consultation as soon as possible,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
But Batongbacal maintained that the current Chinese Embassy officials have not helped bring Manila-Beijing relations together and even contributed to the distrust and aggravated the issues.
“The defense attaché, the coast guard attaché — it’s their job to open the lines of communication and make sure that things like this don’t happen, and from there, we will proceed. I think it would only be proper kasi nga hindi naman puwedeng walang consequence ‘yong ginawa nila,” he explained.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Pentagon has condemned China’s aggressive action in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where a Filipino soldier was reportedly severely hurt, warning that it could result in more violence.
“This kind of behavior is provocative, it’s reckless, it’s unnecessary, and it could lead to something bigger and more violent. So we will continue to stand with our Philippine allies,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder in a press briefing.
The Pentagon refers to the Department of Defense of the United States of America.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday (18 June 2024) confirmed that a Philippine Navy (PN) service member suffered “severe injury” following a collision between a Chinese ship and a Philippine vessel performing rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad disclosed that the injured PN service member was safely evacuated and received prompt medical treatment after the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) “intentional high-speed ramming,” which took place Monday (17 June 2024).
“We condemn the escalatory and irresponsible action by the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to deny the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea,” Ryder declared.
He also echoed the earlier statement of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that “the Philippine maritime claims must be protected.”
Ryder stressed that the US will continue to support the Philippines.
He added that the Pentagon is closely monitoring the situation in the region.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Aside from China, Vietnam is also causing headaches for the Philippines, as the Philippine Navy (PN) said on Monday (10 June 2024) it is monitoring Vietnam’s dredging and landfill work within the Kalayaan Island Group.
PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad disclosed that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is also taking action.
“Nakatutok naman tayo doon [we’re monitoring that], but I believe the more appropriate agency to give the details of that would be DFA. May action naman ang DFA doon [the DFA is doing actions regarding that],” Trinidad said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.
These territories are being claimed by Manila which maintains these are part of the Kalayaan Island Group.
Vietnam has been conducting dredging operations of reefs it occupies in the South China Sea.
It was learned that Vietnam has been able to reclaim a total of 692 acres or 280 hectares in the last six months.
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