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.
(el Amigo/MNM)
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.”
(el Amigo/mnm)
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.
(el Amigo/mnm)
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.
(el Amigo/mnm)
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.
(el Amigo/mnm)
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.
(el Amigo/mnm)
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.
(el Amigo/mnm)
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.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Calling the acts “barbaric” and “inhumane behavior”, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela on Friday (07 June 2024) revealed with matching videos that China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and boats had blocked and rammed Philippine boats performing medical evacuation in the contested waters.
“Despite informing the Chinese Coast Guard via radio and public address system about the humanitarian nature of our mission for medical evacuation, they still engaged in dangerous maneuvers and even intentionally rammed the Philippine Navy Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat,” Tarriela said in a statement.
Although the incident took place on May 19, the PCG released videos of it only on Friday (07 June 2024).
The PCG noted two China Coast Guard vessels 21551 and 21555, two small boats, and two rubber boats during the medical evacuation.
There was no comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila as of posting time.
Tarriela said the PCG and Philippine Navy successfully outmaneuvered the foreign boats and vessels and completed the medical evacuation of the sick Filipinos to Buliluyan Port.
He disclosed that the sick individual was a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who was deployed at BRP (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas) Sierra Madre, a Second World War-era ship that was deliberately grounded in 1999 in Ayungin Shoal during the administration of then President Joseph “Erap” Estrada.
“At 1515H on 19 May 2024, the sick AFP personnel was transported to the nearest hospital and received immediate medical attention,” Tarriela said.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s defense minister Pal Jonson has denounced the series of dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
He said such acts put human lives at risk and undermine regional peace and security.
Speaking before Sweden’s National Day reception Thursday (6 June 2024) night, Jonson, who was in Manila for an official visit where he met Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro and other officials to bolster bilateral defense and security ties, said such actions are a threat to global security, stressing that safety at sea “must be respected at all times.”
It can be recalled that in 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said China’s claim over the West Philippine Sea has no legal basis, but Beijing refused to honor the decision until today.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Barely 10 days before China will arrest “trespassers” in its imagined territory by its nine-dash line, the Philippine Navy reported on Wednesday (05 June 2024) an increase in the number of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
It was gathered that in total, 125 vessels were monitored in Philippine-occupied features in the WPS from May 28 to June 3.
These reportedly include nine (9) China Coast Guard vessels, 11 PLAN vessels, and 105 Chinese maritime militia vessels.
But the Philippine military remained unperturbed.
On Tuesday (4 June 2024), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed that the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has promised to send “assets” to the South China Sea to support Manila in upholding sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In a statement, the PCG said the USCG will deploy its North Pacific Coast Guard following the proposal of Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan for a “greater deployment” in high seas “to address the forthcoming threat”.
This “threat” was China’s enforcement of its new regulation of detaining supposed trespassers in what it considers its maritime boundaries under its “imagined” nine-dash line.
Gavan proposed not only to the USCG but also to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) during the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
“I’d like to propose greater deployment in the high seas. We will do our part, but we also need you to be there to maintain rules-based order the way Coast Guards should play their role,” the PCG official said.
“We know our limits, but we know we can do something to give time for our political leaders to do their part to keep the West Philippine Sea as free as it should be,” Gavan noted.
For her part, USCG Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan confirmed her meeting with Gavan, as well as with JCG Vice Admiral Seguchi Yoshio, in Singapore.
She observed the “increasingly central geopolitical role” the maritime law enforcement agencies play in the Asia-Pacific region.
“They must demonstrate professional behavior at sea to support good maritime governance, which is critical to global economic prosperity and security Malign activities such as human and drug trafficking, cyber-attacks, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing drive instability and threaten the rules-based international order,” the USCG Commandant said in a separate statement.
According to the PCG, the JCG proposed the conduct of more personnel exchanges to create a robust network of Coast Guard counterparts in pursuit of maritime law enforcement and the rule of law.
“Rest assured that the PCG is doing its share in the alliance we nurture. We are grateful for the new opportunities to further strengthen our ranks and fulfill our roles in the most unique way to address current challenges,” Gavan declared.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Despite the outpouring of support of several countries, including the United States, Japan and Australia for the Philippines in its lawful claim on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), China’s defense minister Dong Jun on Sunday (02 June 2024) warned of “limits” to Beijing’s restraint on the South China Sea.
China has issued new rules effective June 15 this year that would enforce a 2021 coast guard law and allow detention of foreigners suspected of “trespassing”.
“China has maintained sufficient restraint in the face of rights infringements and provocation, but there are limits to this,” Dong said before the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is attended by defense officials from around the world.
For years, China claims almost the entire South China Sea, which includes the WPS, ignoring an international ruling that its claims have no legal basis, and continually invoking the “mythical” nine-dash line.
“I do not intend to yield,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said in reaction. “Filipinos do not yield”.
He noted that China’s plan to detain foreigners trespassing in the South China Sea is an escalation of the tension in the region.
“Illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions continue to violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdictions,” Marcos Jr earlier said.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday (31 May 2024) disclosed that the Philippine government is monitoring the deployment of bigger ships in the West Philippine Sea.
To recall, China Coast Guard 5901 known as “The Monster,” the largest coast guard ship in the world, conducted a “brief intrusive patrol” near Scarborough Shoal.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained that Scarborough Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA – The killing of a Filipino in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid escalating tensions would be very close to an “act of war,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated emphatically.
During the question-and-answer session of the 21st International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday (31 May 2024), Marcos highlighted that the Philippine government would respond decisively if tensions in the disputed waters and China’s aggressive actions, such as the use of water cannons, lead to the death of a Filipino citizen.
“What would happen if there was an incident that ended up killing a Filipino serviceman, be it a Coast Guard or in the military and part of the Navy? Well, that would be – that would certainly increase the level of response, and if a willful act results in the death of a Filipino, not only a serviceman but even a civilian, that is very, very close to what we define as an act of war. We will respond accordingly,” he asserted.
Marcos made these remarks when asked what actions would prompt the Philippine government to invoke the decades-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.
He noted that such incidents would heighten the response not only from the Philippine government but also from its “treaty partners.”
“We already have suffered injuries, but thank God, we have not yet reached the point where any of our participants, civilian or otherwise, have been killed,” the President said. “But once we reach that point, we would have crossed the Rubicon. Is that a red line? Almost certainly.”
PH Boosting Military Capability for Defense and Peace
Addressing his vision for the Philippines’ military posture by the end of his term, Marcos stated that the country is enhancing its defense capabilities to safeguard its sovereignty and territory against any foreign aggression. He mentioned the ongoing efforts to find suppliers for the country’s modernization program, Horizon 3.
“We hope these actions serve as a deterrence and work towards peace. This long-term plan of increasing the capabilities of our military and civilians, such as the Coast Guard, has been ongoing for many years now,” he said.
Marcos also emphasized in his keynote address that the country remains committed to diplomacy. “The Philippines remains committed to peace, which is the foundation of our constitutional order. We are dedicated to addressing and managing difficult issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.
Commitment to Sovereignty and International Law
Marcos made history as the first Philippine leader to deliver a keynote address at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, the leading defense and security conference in the Asia-Pacific region. He reiterated his unwavering stance on the nation’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the WPS in his speech.
“In this solid footing and through our clear moral ascendancy, we find the strength to do whatever it takes to protect our sovereign home – to the last square inch, to the last square millimeter. The life-giving waters of the West Philippine Sea flow in the blood of every Filipino,” Marcos declared. “We cannot allow anyone to detach it from the totality of the maritime domain that renders our nation whole. As President, I have sworn to this solemn commitment from the very first day that I took office. I do not intend to yield. Filipinos do not yield.”
Marcos also stressed that any action in the South China Sea must conform to the international order. “Any effort to resolve maritime differences in the East China Sea and the South China Sea must be anchored on international law, particularly UNCLOS. We must accord due regard to the legitimate interests of all parties and respect legally-settled rights,” he said.
He was referring to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), or “The Law of the Sea Convention,” which serves as the basis for the Philippines in implementing laws concerning the WPS.
The dialogue was attended by Singapore’s officials, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, along with IISS Executive Chairman Sir John Chipman and government officials from the Philippines and other countries worldwide.
(Rep. by el Amigo/With reports from PNA)
By el Amigo
MANILA — The Philippine government is finalizing an environmental lawsuit against China for its alleged destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea.
The case, to be filed with the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, according to Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV of the Department of Justice.
“We need to strengthen all the pieces of evidence that need to be attached,” Clavano said during a public briefing on Thursday. “But we are confident that in a few weeks, we will complete our complaint and the attached evidence.”
Legal experts have provided inputs to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Clavano noted. Last September, Remulla stated that the Philippines would proceed with the case regardless of the territorial dispute with China, emphasizing that environmental destruction is a global concern. “The destruction of the environment is a sin against humanity,” Remulla said.
The Philippine government has been gathering evidence of China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea for many years, with documentation efforts intensifying in late 2023. This announcement follows the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmation of a report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command.
The report detailed severe damage to the marine environment and coral reefs in the Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This area witnessed a “swarming” of approximately 33 Chinese maritime vessels between August 9 and September 11, 2023.
(IA/MNM)
MANILA — The Philippines voices another protest against China’s annual enforcement of a fishing moratorium in the South China Sea, encroaching upon areas within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This marks the 25th diplomatic objection lodged against China this year alone and the 158th during the Marcos administration, as disclosed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Asserting that China’s unilateral fishing ban breaches the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), the DFA contends that such actions exacerbate tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the broader South China Sea, contradicting the understanding forged between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at de-escalating maritime disputes.
The DFA strongly calls upon China to halt illegal activities infringing upon Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in maritime zones. China’s imposition of a nearly five-month fishing ban in the South China Sea from May 1 to Sept. 16, along with its plan to detain foreigners for 60 days without trial starting June 15 within waters it claims, draws sharp criticism from the Philippines.
Instead, the Philippines urges China to adhere to international law, notably the 1982 Unclos and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award. Additionally, it calls for compliance with commitments outlined in the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Referencing Paragraph 716 of the 2016 arbitral award, which unequivocally denounces any Chinese fishing moratorium encompassing the Philippine EEZ as a violation of Article 56 of Unclos about the Philippines’ sovereign rights over marine resources, the DFA reiterates the baselessness of China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The DFA stresses the importance of de-escalating maritime tensions by emphasizing that the unilateral imposition of fishing bans heightens tensions and directly undermines diplomatic efforts to manage differences through dialogue.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — The House of Representatives initiated an investigation on Monday (20 May 2024) into the alleged “gentleman’s agreement” between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), National Security Council (NSC), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) attended the probe, which was conducted jointly by the Committee on National Defense and Security and the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea.
The DFA asserted it had no record of any such agreement concerning Ayungin Shoal. “The Philippines has not entered into any agreement abandoning its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, including Ayungin Shoal,” the DFA stated.
Defense Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga confirmed that the DND is “not privy to any gentleman’s agreement with China” and has no documentation of such a deal.
NSC Deputy Director General Nestor Herico emphasized that National Security Adviser Eduardo Año “will not support any agreement that compromises the country’s national security and interests.”
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also noted that the PCG was unaware of any alleged agreement. “The Philippine Coast Guard will follow directives issued by President Bongbong Marcos Jr.,” he added.
Former PCG Commandant Joel Garcia, who served from December 2016 to January 2018, denied any knowledge of such an agreement during his tenure. “We have not heard of any gentleman’s agreement between the two presidents; otherwise, it would have been communicated to us,” he told lawmakers.
Former President Duterte had admitted to an understanding with China’s President Xi Jinping to maintain the status quo in the WPS, involving the non-transport of maintenance or repair materials for the BRP Sierra Madre, which serves as the country’s outpost on Ayungin Shoal.
(el Amigo/mnm)
MANILA — Recent developments in the South China Sea, particularly around the Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef in the West Philippine Sea, have sparked renewed concerns as China’s actions intersect with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.
Satellite imagery on May 9, 2024, revealed a gathering of 82 vessels from the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) at the reef, drawing attention from SeaLight, a project focused on monitoring maritime activities in the region.
Retired US Air Force Col. Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, highlighted the size and persistence of the Chinese fleet at Julian Felipe Reef, reminiscent of a similar incident three years prior, dubbed the “Whitsun Reef Incident,” which drew objections from the Philippines.
Despite China’s claim that the vessels were seeking shelter, Powell emphasized the continuous presence of CMM vessels over the years, suggesting a contradiction to China’s earlier assertions and raising concerns about their true intentions.
Speculations about the actual number of CMM vessels exceeding reported counts are supported by previous reports from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), indicating an increase in vessel numbers over time.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año instructed the PCG to challenge and document the illegal presence of CMM vessels at Julian Felipe Reef. However, radio challenges went unanswered, signaling a disregard for international norms.
Julian Felipe Reef’s significance lies not only in its geographical location but also in its legal status as part of the Philippines’ territorial sea. Powell emphasized that the vessels stationed at the reef, though labeled as “fishing” vessels, are not engaged in fishing activities but serve as a floating outpost supported by Chinese subsidies, aimed at exerting effective control over the area.
China’s actions at Julian Felipe Reef align with a broader strategy of asserting control over disputed maritime territories without physical infrastructure. Powell warned that China’s vast maritime militia could overwhelm neighboring countries’ capacity to respond effectively, posing a significant challenge to regional stability and maritime security.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Undaunted by the “huge force” that China has sent to Scarborough Shoal, the civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) led by the Atin Ito coalition will proceed as scheduled on May 14 to 17.
This was the firm stance on Monday (13 May 2024) of Rafaela David, co-convenor of the Atin Ito coalition, which vowed that they “shall press forward with our peaceful voyage undeterred by any intimidation.”
“We will sail with determination, not provocation, to civilianize the region and safeguard our territorial integrity,” David stressed in a statement.
The Atin Ito coalition made the statement after former US Air Force official and former defense attaché Ray Powell, who is monitoring the situation in the WPS, claimed that China is sending a “huge force” to blockade Scarborough Shoal ahead of the Philippines’ civilian mission to the area.
“China is sending a huge force to blockade Scarborough Shoal ahead of the Atin Ito civilian convoy setting sail from the Philippines Tuesday. By this time tomorrow at least four coast guard and 26 large maritime militia ships are on blockade (not counting ‘dark’ vessels),” Powell said.
But David, who is also Akbayan president, pointed out that the “peaceful” civilian mission set from May 14 to 17 is a legitimate exercise of Filipino citizens’ rights and Philippine sovereign rights based on international law.
“The reported heavy presence of Chinese marine vessels in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is lamentable, but not surprising. It only underscores the urgency of civilianizing the area in response to China’s militarization,” David said.
For his part, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the PCG will ensure the safety of the participants of the civilian mission amid the presence of Chinese vessels in Scarborough Shoal.
“For the PCG, ang mandato natin siguraduhing ligtas ang mga gagamit ng karagatan as a maritime mandate of the Coast Guard. So as far as the Coast Guard is concerned, that is the only thing we are only focusing into na siguraduhing malayang makakapaglayag ang ating mga kasamahan sa Atin Ito Coalition,” Tarriela quipped.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Undaunted by the possibility of being harassed by China, the 100-boat civilian mission led by Atin Ito coalition will proceed on May 15 to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) with the military expressing its support through ensuring its safety.
This was announced on Friday (3 May 2024) by Atin Ito co-convenor and Akbayan Party president Rafaela David who said the Atin Ito coalition is “not intimidated by China’s latest act of violence and harassment” despite China’s recent water cannon attacks in Scarborough Shoal or Bajo de Masinloc.
“Hindi tayo nagpapatinag. We’re like plants watered by adversity – thriving, not just surviving. Parang halamang dinidiligan ng tubig, lalo lamang namumulaklak ang ating pagkakaisa para ipaglaban ang WPS,” David stressed.
Atin Ito plans to deliver essential supplies like fuel to Filipino fishermen in the area.
It can be recalled that in 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in the Hague said China’s claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected.
“China’s water cannon attacks in the West Philippine Sea is a broken philosophy. They are not getting the desired results. On the contrary, they only nourish Filipino resolve in the WPS,” the Akbayan lady president added.
For his part, Navy spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said the military supports and will help in the civilian mission through monitoring for its safety.
Atin Ito coalition said participating in the mission are two main civilian boats escorted by 100 small fishing vessels that will set sail from Zambales.
Maharlika NuMedia gathered that international observers were also invited to join the mission to document the situation in the WPS and witness the challenges faced by Filipino fishermen and frontliners.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Experts emphasize that the Philippines requires increased international backing to counter China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
During an exclusive forum on April 11, organized by the think-tank Stratbase ADR Institute and the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), experts stressed the necessity for broader support from the global community in dealing with China’s assertive behavior in the WPS.
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Emmanuel Bautista pointed out that during an incident where the China Coast Guard targeted a Filipino resupply boat with water cannons in Ayungin Shoal last March, only 21 countries expressed solidarity with the Philippines. Bautista emphasized the need for more countries, especially Southeast Asian ones to voice their support.
Acknowledging the absence of an enforcement mechanism for the 2016 arbitral ruling affirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone in the WPS, Bautista stressed the importance of collective international condemnation to exert social pressure on errant states.
Meanwhile, Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase ADR Institute, condemned China’s utilization of gray zone tactics to undermine the rules-based international order, citing instances of shadowing, blocking, and other provocative actions.
Manhit underscored the necessity for a comprehensive approach involving the entire Filipino society engaging with the international community to address these challenges effectively.
Brian Harding, USIP’s senior expert on Southeast Asia, noted the escalation of tensions in the WPS in recent months but highlighted the strengthened position of the Philippines, particularly within the context of the deepening US-Philippines alliance and the trilateral cooperation with Japan.
Rosie Levine, a senior program analyst at USIP, highlighted the significance of joint patrols involving the Philippines, the US, Japan, and Australia as part of a deterrence strategy aimed at signaling unity against China’s assertiveness. She emphasized the importance of maintaining this coordinated approach to bolster deterrence against individual pressure tactics.
(el Amigo/MNM)