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)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — As the Philippines is preparing for its historic participation in a Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea with Australia, Japan, and the United States, the China Coast Guard (CCG) has again harassed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) at the Rozul Reef within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
On Saturday (6 April 2024), the PCG reported that they and BFAR were harassed by the CCG while conducting operations at the Rozul Reef on Thursday (4 April 2024).
This developed as the Department of National Defense (DND) said the Philippines would join the Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea with Australia, Japan, and the United States on Sunday (7 April 2024).
According to DND, the drills will involve maritime and air units from the four countries and will be done in a manner consistent with international and domestic laws and about the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states.
For its part, the PCG claimed that their personnel and the BFAR were dropping floating aggregate devices (payao) when two CCG vessels (21551 and 21556), which were the “usual interdictors” in the resupply operation in Ayungin Shoal, arrived and started harassing Filipino fishing boats.
The PCG added that the CCG even pretended to use their water cannons to threaten the Filipino fishermen.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the latest aggressive acts of China in the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order calling for the strengthening of the country’s maritime security and maritime domain awareness.
This was disclosed on Sunday (31 March 2024) by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) headed by veteran journalist and lawyer Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
The PCO said Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 57 to strengthen maritime security and raise awareness on the maritime domain amid “serious challenges” threatening the Philippines’ territorial integrity and the “peaceful existence of Filipinos.”
“Despite efforts to promote stability and security in our maritime domain, the Philippines continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten not only the country’s territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos, including their fundamental right to live in peace and freedom, free from fear of violence and threat,” the President said.
Under EO 57, the National Coast Watch Council has been renamed and reorganized into the National Maritime Council (NMC) chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
“Strengthening the country’s maritime security and domain awareness is imperative to comprehensively tackle the crosscutting issues that impact the nation’s national security, sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction over its extensive maritime zones,” Marcos Jr. further said.
The President also ordered the NMC to formulate and issue guidelines for the effective implementation of EO 57 within 60 days from its effectivity.
It was learned that the NMC will have as members the secretaries of the following departments:
Department of National Defense (DND);
National Security Adviser (National Security Council);
Department of Agriculture (DA);
Department of Energy (DOE);
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
Department of Finance (DOF);
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); and
Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The Solicitor General and the director general of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency were also named members of the NMC.
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — Amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is actively seeking support from Australia to bolster its maritime capabilities. The PCG is eyeing the acquisition of two patrol vessels from Australia’s global shipbuilder and defense prime contractor.
The Guardian-class 39.5-meter patrol boat, manufactured by Austal, has piqued the interest of the PCG. This vessel, renowned for its effectiveness in maritime operations, is particularly attractive to the Philippine government due to Austal’s shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.
Australia’s provision of such patrol ships to small South Pacific Ocean countries under its Pacific Maritime Security Program underscores its commitment to enhancing regional maritime security. While these patrol boats are initially armed with light weapons, they possess the capability for further upgrades, including medium-caliber guns like 25/30 mm chain guns and 12.7 mm heavy machine guns.
The acquisition of the Guardian-class patrol boats by the PCG may be facilitated through various means, including outright purchase, official development assistance grants, or loans from Australia.
This initiative supplements the Philippine government’s broader modernization efforts aimed at fortifying its maritime defense capabilities. It is separate from the procurement of three new ships funded under the 2024 national budget, specifically designated for defending the West Philippine Sea.
Furthermore, the realignment of funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education to intelligence and security agencies underscores the government’s commitment to addressing escalating threats in the WPS. Lawmakers advocate for increased allocations to the PCG, recognizing its pivotal role in safeguarding the country’s waters.
The PCG’s journey towards modernization has been marked by collaboration with various allies, including Japan, France, and the United States. These partnerships have significantly contributed to expanding the PCG’s fleet and enhancing its maritime capabilities.
As tensions persist in the WPS, the Philippines continues to seek strategic alliances and technological advancements to safeguard its territorial integrity and maritime interests.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Amid the tensions in the West Philippine Sea due to the latest acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter, members of a US congressional delegation who paid a courtesy call on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. have expressed support for the Philippines.
The senatorial delegation arrived Tuesday (26 March 2024) to discuss about PH-US relations and, the promotion of Regional Peace and Security through Enhanced Defense and Security Cooperation and Economic Cooperation, among others with the President.
“We share your concern about China’s aggression about many of the issues around the Philippines,” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told Marcos Jr.
She added: “We stand with you and we want to continue to stand by you, and with you, and to push that aggression back appropriately.”
Gillibrand also assured the President of the delegations’ support for the Philippines, which she considered an ally and a friend to the US.
“I’m happy, very happy to welcome all of you to the Philippines,” Marcos Jr. said in welcoming the delegation.
The President thanked them for taking time to visit the Philippines amid the “rather topsy-turvy political cycle” in the US.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Were the Filipino scientists conducting marine resource assessment in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea being shot at by a Chinese helicopter?
This question surfaced following the report of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) that a team of Filipino scientists and researchers was “harassed” by a Chinese helicopter on Saturday (25 March 2024), resulting in injuries of some members of the team.
In a video released by BFAR, a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter with tail number 57 was seen hovering above Sandy Cay 3 and 4 and monitoring the activity of the research team from the bureau, the UP Institute of Biology, and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).
The research divers reported hearing “ping” sounds at three-second intervals while diving at Cay 3.
BFAR said the Chinese helicopter continued to hover at a very close distance to the sand bar, where some researchers were conducting their assessment.
It further said some of the scientists and BFAR crew sustained minor injuries such as cuts and scratches due to the strong wind and debris induced by continuous hovering of the Chinese chopper.
Due to the incident, the mission commander recalled the research team.
It can be noted that the harassment happened on the same day that China Coast Guard vessels fired water from a powerful cannon at the Philippine resupply boat Unaizah on May 4 during the rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following the marching order of China’s President Xi Jinping to its armed forces to coordinate preparations for military conflicts at sea, protect their country’s maritime rights and interests, and the development of their maritime economy, some 50 Chinese vessels have been spotted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a statement disclosed that as of 4 p.m. on Monday (11 March 2024), there were 7 China Coast Guard vessels (CCGVs), 18 Chinese maritime militia vessels (CMMVs), and 29 small Chinese fishing vessels (CFVs) in Philippine-occupied islands and features in the waterway.
“In Bajo de Masinloc, 5 CCGVs, 18 CMMVs, and 10 China CFVs. In Ayungin Shoal, 1 CCGV, 6 CFVs. In Pagasa Island, 1 CCGV, 6 CFVs. In Panatag Island, 7 CFVs,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing on Tuesday (12 March 2024).
She added that there were no significant sightings of Chinese vessels in other features.
Despite this development, Padilla said the AFP would continue its rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to all the features in the western section of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“The next RoRe at Pagasa, Kota, Panatag, and Parola will be conducted in the first week of April,” she said.
Political pundits told Maharlika NuMedia that China’s claim to the South China Sea (SCS), which includes the WPS, can be traced back centuries and is embodied in their so-called nine-dash line.
However, countries that claim parts of the SCS and reject the nine-dash line have maintained that the Chinese claim encroaches onto their territory as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Under UNCLOS, each country has an EEZ extending 200 nautical miles (around 370km) from its coast over which it has sovereign rights.
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In a rare display of solidarity, Southeast Asian and Australian leaders on Wednesday (06 March 2024) called on all countries to avoid any action that will “endanger peace” in the West Philippine Sea in the wake of the latest tension between the Philippines and China.
This developed as China accused the United States of using the Philippines as a “pawn” in the South China Sea.
“China urges the United States not to use the Philippines as a pawn to stir up trouble in the South China Sea,” China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.
However, Southeast Asian and Australian leaders warned against actions that “endanger peace” in the South China Sea.
In their joint declaration, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc and Australia said: “We encourage all countries to avoid any unilateral actions that endanger peace, security and stability in the region.
“We recognize the benefits of having the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) as a sea of peace, stability and prosperity,” the statement further said.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Given the escalating tension between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday (26 Feb 2024) said it is ready to support the country’s coast guard.
The AFP’s statement came out on the heels of the latest incident between PCG and Chinese vessels in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
“The AFP supports the maritime law enforcement operation of the PCG and other maritime law enforcement agencies. For our part, any challenges faced by foreign forces are addressed with utmost professionalism and we will practice maximum tolerance,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a Viber message.
At the same time, the AFP maintained that it would practice maximum tolerance in “addressing challenges from foreign forces.”
On Sunday (25 February 2024), the Philippines accused the China Coast Guard (CCG) of attempting to block the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ BRP Datu Sanday, which was delivering supplies to fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc last February 22.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Tensions seemingly subsided in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as the China Coast Guard (CCG) removed the floating barrier it laid to prevent Filipinos from fishing in the disputed area.
On Monday (19 Feb 2024), National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya confirmed that China removed the installation after the vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) left the Bajo de Masinloc, one of the country’s oldest known fishing grounds.
“Ang nangyari diyan, nung umalis na yung ating BFAR vessels, tinanggal na rin nila,” Malaya disclosed during a “Bagong Pilipinas” briefing.
He added: “So, habang nandun ang ating BFAR vessel, nandun yung barrier. Pero immediately after ng pag-alis ng BFAR ay tinanggal na rin nila. Siguro natatakot na rin silang puputulin natin.”
On Saturday (17 February 2024), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela said that floating barriers were spotted at the mouth of Bajo de Masinloc, or the southeast entrance to Bajo de Masinloc last February 15.
(el Amigo/MNM)