By Junex Doronio
MANILA — “When you’re weak, pretend that you’re strong. When you’re strong, pretend that you’re weak,” once advised Chinese legendary military genius Sun Tzu in his book “The Art of War” and this seems to be being applied when the number of Chinese vessels has increased in the West Philippines Sea amid “Balikatan” or the joint military exercise of the Philippines and United States.
On Tuesday (23 April 2024), Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad disclosed that there’s a big increase in the number of Chinese maritime militia vessels in the WPS particularly in Bajo de Masinloc and Pag-asa Island.
“Our monitoring for the past two months for March and April has given us a fairly constant—from a low of 33 and a high of 69, and average of 60 various vessels of China,” Trinidad said in a press conference.
From April 16 to 22, the Philippine Navy noticed 124 Chinese vessels including three PLAN ships and 11 Chinese Coast Guard vessels were spotted in the WPS.
“Only for this week that we have seen a surge of up to a total of 124. Three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and (China) Coast Guard having 10. This coincides with Balikatan. This upsurge is out of the normal,” Trinidad noted.
Bajo de Masinloc – 38 vessels (7 Chinese Coast Guard ships, 31 Chinese maritime militia vessels)
Ayungin Shoal – 31 (3 CCG ships, 28 CMM vessels)
Pag-asa Island – 46 (1 PLAN ship, 1 CCG ship, 44 CMM vessels)
Parola Island – 3 CMM vessels
Lawak Island – 1 PLAN ship
Panata Island – 4 CMM vessels
Patag Island – PLAN vessel
Trinidad further noted that the Chinese maritime militia vessels were anchored together.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In what could be interpreted as a “flexing of muscles”, China has sent 27 ships described as a “major maritime militia rotation” despite an agreement between the Philippines and China to ease tensions in the region through diplomacy.
It was learned that the 27 Qiong Sansha Yu-class ships were spotted south of the Spratly Islands and east of Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal).
Qiong Sansha Yu-class ships are reportedly professional maritime militia vessels operated by the state-owned Sansha Fisheries Development Company that often work in tandem with the China Coast Guard (CCG) in enforcing the communist country’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the WPS.
Ironically, last Wednesday (January 17), the Philippines and China convened the 8th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea in Shanghai.
During the discussions, the Philippines and China “agreed that continuous dialogue is important to keep peace and stability at sea” and “assured each other of their mutual commitment to avoid escalation of tensions.”
(el Amigo/MNM)
MANILA — In an insightful Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute, eight out of ten Filipinos expressed a strong desire for the Marcos Jr. administration to collaborate with the United States amid the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The survey, conducted from December 3 to 7, 2023, encompassing 1,200 respondents nationwide, presented compelling insights into the public’s sentiments.
Released during the forum “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security,” organized by the Stratbase Institute, the survey disclosed that 79 percent of Filipinos advocate for the government to work closely with the US. Additionally, almost half of the respondents believe that forging partnerships with Australia (43 percent) and Japan (42 percent) would be beneficial.
A noteworthy 52 percent of participants expressed the need for the government to strengthen its military presence in the WPS. This includes initiatives such as the repair of the beached and rusting BRP Sierra Madre, regular resupply missions, and ensuring control of the Ayungin Shoal.
The survey results underline a distinct preference for collaboration with like-minded states such as the US, Australia, and Japan. Professor Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase, emphasized the significance of these alliances, noting that these countries consistently voice their support for the Philippines and condemn Chinese actions in the WPS.
Manhit emphasized, “As evidenced by the survey results, 90 percent of Filipinos are not in favor of working with China. This is only natural, as the Philippines continues to encounter aggressive and coercive acts in the West Philippine Sea.”
In addition to diplomatic protests, the Philippines is taking decisive steps, including an exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as revealed by Manhit.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Trashing China’s insinuation that the United States and other allies may have a “hidden agenda” on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday said the country will continue to welcome countries that support its interests.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stressed that the Philippines will keep its vigilance against “bullies” and called out China for blaming the actions of the Philippines as well as the US for the rising tensions in the South China Sea.
“While it is true that there is no such thing as free lunch, unlike China, our allies do not take away our lunch especially if it is rightfully ours,” Tarriela said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He was reacting to an editorial article in the Chinese government-supported publication Global Times.
The article read, “The Philippines must remain vigilant against the ‘enthusiasm’ displayed by the US and some other countries. There is no such thing as a free lunch, and behind the US’ “enthusiasm” lies a hidden agenda.”
It can also be noted that recently, Chinese state media People’s Daily also published a commentary accusing the Philippines of infringing on China’s territory, spreading false information, and colluding with other countries to cause trouble.
“Until now, the [People’s Republic of China] has not come to terms with the fact that their fabricated narratives and baseless claims about the alleged aggressive actions of the Philippines are not that convincing,” Tarriela quipped.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also said the Philippines is not provoking conflict in the South China Sea.
“[The] Philippines is not provoking conflict. We follow international law and we are only implementing our domestic law,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar pointed out.
He further said the Philippines is not conducting activities that will put vessels and seafarers in danger and instead accused China of performing dangerous maneuvers that sometimes result in collisions at sea.
“They are the ones committing all the violations,” Aguilar retorted.
He noted that the Philippines was just conducting activities within its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
(IAmigo/MNM)
MANILA — A lawmaker from this city prodded on Tuesday (12 Dec 2023) concerned agencies and other interested parties to petition the Supreme Court for a Writ of Kalikasan and file admiralty, criminal, and civil cases against the foreign ships that harass Filipino fishermen and ships.
Manila Representative Atty. Joel R. Chua said: “For recent and continuing damage to our coral reefs, a Writ of Kalikasan can be filed with the Supreme Court by petitioners with proper legal standing. Our country has admiralty courts designated by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court also has issued Rules of Procedure for Admiralty Cases.”
“Diplomatic protests are not enough. They do not faze the other side. It is now time to consider other actions like filing criminal cases and civil suits against the owners of the cargo ships and fishing vessels,” Chua added.
“For incidents that happen outside of the West Philippine Sea and for violations of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, there is the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea or ITLOS. There is also the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. There are also international shipping bodies before which complaints can be filed against ships registered with them,” Chua pointed out.
In Filipino, Chua explained: “Hindi na sapat ang mga simpleng diplomatic protest lang. Kahit umabot pa sa libu-libo ang dami ng diplomatic protests, binabalewala lang ‘yan ng Chinese government.”
“Kailangan nang sampahan sa mga korte sa Pilipinas ang mga may-ari ng Chinese cargo vessels na nanagasa sa bangka ng Pinoy fishermen. Dapat ring sampahan ng mga kasong kriminal at sibil pati ang mga Chinese fishing at militia vessels na sangkot sa mga insidente ng harassment at swarming sa ating West Philippine Sea. Idamay na rin ang mga sangkot sa harassment sa mga resupply missions ng BFAR, PCG, PN, at ng ATIN ITO Christmas convoy,” Chua added.
He noted that “when the ships and their transponders can be identified, the owners can be identified and charged in Philippine courts and before international bodies.”
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — In a disturbing incident on Sunday (10 Dec 2023), the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo Brawner, found himself caught in the line of fire as a Chinese Coast Guard vessel unleashed a water cannon upon a Philippine supply ship en route to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
General Brawner was aboard the Unaizah Mae 1, tasked with delivering essential supplies to soldiers stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.
Despite the potential dangers posed by China’s coast guard, General Brawner, who sought permission from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit and bring Christmas gifts to the troops, expressed anger rather than fear over the incident.
“We keep on avoiding them, but they continue to harass; it’s dangerous, it’s dangerous,” remarked General Brawner, shedding light on the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines in dealing with such provocations.
The clash occurred just a day after the Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard of obstructing three government boats delivering provisions to Filipino fishermen near Scarborough Shoal, prompting both nations to exchange blame for the escalating tensions. \
(ai/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators have condemned on Sunday the recent attacks of Chinese ships on Philippine vessels on resupply mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) deployed water canon on Philippine vessels which damaged M/L Kalayaan’s engines.
“China not only caused us great damage to property but they also put Filipino lives at risk,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
“This was a humanitarian mission, and still China chose to attack them. THEY HAVE NO HEART,” he added.
“They have gone from unlawfully blocking us from navigating our own waters to now deliberately damaging our vessels and endangering the lives of our people.”
Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada urged China to respect international law, exercise restraint, and cease all actions that jeopardize the peace and security of the region.
“Ito ay malinaw na paglabag sa karapatang pantao, batas ng dagat at nagpapakita ng kawalan ng paggalang sa soberanya ng Pilipinas,” Estrada said.
Poe said that the intentional attack is a violation of international law.
“With China’s bullying rearing its ugly head anew with the water cannon firing, we must be consistently resolute in defending our territory,” Poe said.
(AI/MNM)
MANILA — Following the submission of a new diplomatic protest against China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, support for the Philippines has surged significantly. Numerous countries have expressed their concern and condemnation of what they perceive as “dangerous” behavior by China.
The protest, lodged by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, was prompted by China’s deployment of a water cannon against a Philippine boat on a resupply mission to Filipino troops at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
In response, the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) stated, “We once again condemn China’s latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers.” The NTF-WPS firmly demanded the immediate departure of Chinese vessels engaged in such illegal activities from the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal.
Various ambassadors, including Australian Ambassador HK Yu, underscored the importance of upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and respecting international law for global peace and security.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson criticized the “continued PRC harassment” and reaffirmed Washington D.C.’s commitment to stand by Manila for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” Similarly, the envoys of Japan and the United Kingdom echoed their opposition to actions escalating tensions in the region.
The European Union, the Netherlands, and Germany reiterated their support for international law, specifically Unclos and the 2016 Arbitral Award. German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke expressed Germany’s backing for the Philippines in advocating respect for international law in the South China Sea.
Despite the international outcry, the China Coast Guard (CCG) asserted its intention to “continue to carry out law enforcement activities” near the Ayungin Shoal, reiterating China’s territorial claim over the area.
In the Philippines, senators, led by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, strongly condemned China’s recent water cannon attack. President Pro Tempore Lorna Regina “Loren” Legarda emphasized the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award, while Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada urged the government to consider adopting Senate Resolution 79.
Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros called for an upgrade in the capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy to navigate past the Chinese blockade.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported substantial achievements in its efforts to bolster national security in the West Philippine Sea. Lt. Gen. Fernyl Buca highlighted successful challenges to over 14,000 vessels during air and surface patrols in critical maritime areas.
The Nolcom emphasized a strategic shift toward Territorial Defense Operations to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
SEEMINGLY TAKEN FROM “KAPAG PUNO NA ANG SALOP” movie by the late Fernando Poe Jr who was his father former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada’s best buddy, Senator JV Ejercito has sternly asked China’s envoy Huang Xilian to go back to his country.
Ejercito was obviously enraged by China’s incursions into the West Philippine Sea that he wanted China’s ambassador out of the country ASAP (as soon as possible).
“黄溪连 大使，回家中國了！！！
(Chinese Ambassador Huang Xi Lian go home to China!),” Ejercito recently wrote in Chinese and English on his Facebook account.
Ejercito’s remarks last October 28 came following a series of China’s harassment of the country’s resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal, located within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is also expected to file a case against China for environmental damage in the resource-rich waterway early next year.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Following a recent incident where Chinese vessels collided with Filipino ships engaged in a routine resupply mission to the detachment on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, the defense leaders of the Philippines and the United States have underscored their dedication to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between their nations.
In a conference call, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III addressed the October 22 incident, particularly highlighting the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) perilous and unlawful maneuvers that jeopardized the safety of Philippine vessels and crew.
Secretary Austin also expressed the United States’ unwavering support for the Philippines in the wake of the incident.
The MDT covers both countries’ public vessels, aircraft, and armed forces, including the Coast Guard, throughout the Pacific region, including the South China Sea.
Moreover, the two officials pledged to intensify efforts to enhance bilateral coordination, interoperability, and support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Secretary Austin reiterated his firm commitment to the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Teodoro and Austin commended the existing military collaboration between Manila and Washington, including their recent joint naval exercise off the coast of Palawan, and they committed to expanding the scope and pace of US-Philippines engagements.
They also anticipate an in-person meeting in Jakarta during the forthcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus.
It may be recalled that on Sunday, October 22, Chinese Coat Guard Chinese maritime militia vessels figured anew in a dangerous blocking incident that led to a collision with a Philippine resupply boat near Ayungin Shoal.
Meanwhile, on Friday the Philippine Fleet (PF) announced that its missile frigates, namely BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), alongside a multi-purpose attack craft armed with a Spike-ER (extended range surface-to-surface) missile, successfully engaged in a live-fire gunnery exercise on Thursday.
In an official statement, PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles disclosed that these live-fire drills were conducted in the vicinity of Capones Island, San Antonio, Zambales, as part of “Exercise Pagbubuklod,” which is scheduled from October 23 to 27.
Badidles further emphasized that live-fire exercises play a vital role in boosting the confidence of sailors, enhancing their understanding, and refining the precise execution of these formidable capabilities.
He remarked, “The successful execution of these significant training activities substantially aligns with the overarching goals of ‘Exercise Pagbubuklod,’ which is to maximize the utilization of assets and equipment, train personnel, and develop tactics and procedures that ensure operational success.”
According to Badidles, this training initiative also seeks to validate the organizational structure, operational concepts, and published doctrines, all while addressing current and prospective scenarios within the operational areas.
‘Balanced manner’
In another presser Friday, Teodoro said the Philippines intends to maintain its activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to safeguard its sovereignty but “these operations will be carried out in a “balanced manner in anticipation of potential increased challenges from China.”
“We are carefully managing our ‘sovereignty operations’ in light of the possibility of more significant incidents that we wish to avoid. Therefore, we are meticulously planning our actions. However, it is evident that we cannot simply withdraw from our maritime territory, Teodoro said.
When asked about the potential for heightened tensions in the WPS, he stated that they are preparing for various scenarios.
Teodoro also stressed that any activities in the WPS, including upcoming resupply missions, will be executed with great care to prevent escalating tensions or conflicts and to protect the nation’s best interests. He made it clear that these efforts would not be undertaken recklessly to avoid any conflicts.
Furthermore, Teodoro reaffirmed the DND’s unwavering commitment to the country’s sovereignty, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., stating, “The President’s guidance remains unchanged, and we will remain resolute in upholding our sovereignty.”
(Amigo Ismael/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
THE PHILIPPINES’ LONGTIME ALLY and the world’s prime superpower United States of America has commended the brave act of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in removing the floating barrier in Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
The floating barrier was installed last week by the China Coast Guard and prevented Filipino fishermen from operating in the international common fishing ground.
Describing the removal of the floating barrier installed by CCG as “a bold step in defending their own sovereignty” on the part of the Philippines, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford also reaffirmed Washington’s security commitments to its Asian ally during a congressional hearing on Thursday (Friday in the Philippines).
“The department has been incredibly clear that when it comes to our treaty commitments to the Philippines, we believe an armed attack against the Philippine Armed Forces, public vessels, and aircraft, apply to the South China Sea. That includes the Philippine Coast Guard,” Ford told a House of Representatives subcommittee on foreign affairs.
On Monday, September 25, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) removed the floating barrier put up by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) following the order of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año.
Notably, even retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio who once led the “anti-Marcos” 1Sambayan opposition coalition in 2022 is now supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s move to strengthen the country’s alliances with other states amid China’s moves in the West Philippine Sea.
The Scarborough Shoal, locally known as Bajo de Masinloc, is 198 kilometers west of Subic Bay in Zambales province, thus part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), although China claims it otherwise.
“The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates international law. It also infringes on the Philippines’ sovereignty over BDM,” PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela earlier maintained.
Unfortunately, China refuses to honor the 2016 Arbitral Ruling up to this very day and has been making efforts to block supply ships from the Philippine Navy right inside territorial waters in the WPS several times recently.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
NOTHING IS PERMANENT BUT CHANGE, an age-old adage that seemingly comes true when retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio who once led the “anti-Marcos” 1Sambayan opposition coalition in 2022 is now supporting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s move to strengthen the country’s alliances with other states amid China’s moves in the West Philippine Sea.
This developed as Carpio said on Wednesday that China cannot dictate who can fish inside Scarborough Shoal in reaction to reports that the Chinese Coast Guard installed floating barriers near the disputed shoal to drive away Filipino fishermen.
The Chinese floating barriers had already been removed by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday night, September 25, upon the marching order of President Marcos Jr. and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.
“We had a right. Tama ang pagtanggal ng barrier kasi sabi sa arbitral tribunal, in the award, na common fishing ground ‘yung lagoon and territorial sea ng Scarborough Shoal. Common fishing ground ng Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese fishermen,” Carpio said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.
On Wednesday, the PCG also encouraged Filipino fishermen to keep fishing at Scarborough Shoal and other sites in the South China Sea, promising to intensify patrols there despite the daunting presence of some bigger Chinese vessels.
“Kung common fishing ground ng tatlong bansa, not a single country can stop others from fishing there. Walang karapatan ang China na sila lang sa sarili nila magdecide na sila lang ang pwedeng mangisda doon sa loob ng lagoon,” Carpio stressed.
He pointed out that the arbitral tribunal did not rule on who has sovereignty of Scarborough Shoal “kasi that question is beyond the jurisdiction of the tribunal.” (ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of Inday Sara Duterte Official Facebook Account
By Junex Doronio
SETTING ASIDE THEIR POLITICAL COLORS, various lawmakers from the two chambers of Congress led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri have agreed to reallocate confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) to agencies in charge of intelligence and surveillance activities in the face of continuing incursions of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
This unprecedented move, in effect, nipped in the bud, so to speak, future requests for CIF by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) which has maintained that the issue of its P125-million CIF spent in only 11 days in 2022 would be answered when its proposed P2.3-billion budget for 2024 is discussed in the House plenary.
“Recognizing the rising security threats in the West Philippine Sea and the need to secure top officials, these agencies are better positioned to counteract security threats, protect our territorial waters, and secure the rights and access of Filipino fishermen to traditional fishing grounds,” the congressmen said on Wednesday in a joint statement.
They said beneficiaries of this reallocation include the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the National Security Council (NSC), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Among those who signed the joint statement were Representatives Michael John Duavit (1st District, Rizal), Johnny Pimentel (2nd District, Surigao del Sur), Eleandro Mendoza (Romblon), Jose Aquino (1st District, Agusan del Norte), Angelica Co (BHW party-list) and LRay Villafuerte (2nd District, Camarines Sur).
On behalf of the upper house, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri declared that they also intend to reallocate unnecessary funds in certain agencies to the intelligence agencies, the PCG, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“We have agreed in the Senate to do the same. We also will [be] reallocating funds that we feel are not necessary for the use of certain agencies and allocate them to our Intelligence Community as well as our Coast Guard and AFP,” Zubiri said in a Viber message to reporters on Wednesday.
It was administration ally Marikina City Rep. Stella Quimbo who revealed that the P125-million OVP confidential funds were spent in only 11 days.
Ironically, Quimbo has been defending the OVP’s confidential funds, but now she was speaking on behalf of the Commission on Audit (COA) during the plenary deliberation on the proposed 2024 budget.
“What can VP Sara (Duterte) show for it? Nag-mass hiring ba ang OVP ng libo-libong informant sa loob lang ng 11 na araw? Nagpatayo ba sila ng daan-daang safehouse sa loob lamang ng 11 na araw?” opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros quipped.
“Babalik lang tayo sa paulit-ulit na tanong: Saan niyo dinala ang pera? Naghihintay ng resibo ang buong Pilipinas,” she said. (ai/mnm)
Image Screengrab from Philippine Coast Guard‘s Video
THE Philippines has strongly rebuked China for placing a “floating barrier” in the South China Sea, alleging that it obstructs Filipino fishing boats from entering the disputed region.
According to Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, this barrier was discovered during a routine maritime patrol last Friday.
The barrier, stretching approximately 300 meters (984 feet or nearly 1 km), has drawn condemnation from both the Philippine coast guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Tarriela expressed the Philippine Coast Guard’s strong disapproval. He emphasized that the barrier, located in the southeastern part of Bajo de Masinloc, effectively prevents Filipino fishing vessels from accessing the shoal, depriving them of their crucial fishing activities and livelihood.
Backed by photographic evidence, Tarriela claimed that three Chinese coast guard vessels and a Chinese maritime militia service boat had erected the barrier after a Philippine government vessel arrived in the area.
Earlier that week, the Philippine coast guard had shared footage showing extensive damage to coral reefs, leading to accusations that China was responsible for severe environmental harm in the region.
Tarriela asserted that the “uncontrolled, illegal, and destructive fishing activities of the Chinese maritime militia” in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal directly contributed to the degradation and devastation of marine ecosystems in the West Philippine Sea.
He also suggested that the presence of crushed corals indicated potential dumping, possibly involving the same corals that were previously extracted, processed, and then returned to the seabed.
In response to inquiries regarding the coral destruction, China’s foreign ministry dismissed the allegations as “unfounded and baseless” during a regular briefing, urging Philippine authorities not to use fabricated information for political purposes.
Filipino fishermen have reported that Chinese vessels typically deploy floating barriers when they observe a significant number of Filipino fishermen in the area.
As of now, China has not issued a public statement on this matter. (ai/mnm)
IN THE midst of heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines has taken a bold step by initiating guided tours to the disputed Spratly Islands for the very first time.
This seven-day excursion is known as the Great Kalayaan Expedition, symbolizing freedom, and comes at a cost of over $2,000 (P114,000) per person. These islands, claimed by the Philippines, are located in the northeastern section of the Spratly archipelago, known locally as the Kalayaan Island Group within the West Philippine Sea.
The Spratly Islands consist of over a hundred small islands and reefs, surrounded by fertile fishing grounds and potentially abundant gas and oil reserves. While China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim these islands in their entirety, Malaysia and the Philippines assert partial claims.
The Great Kalayaan Expedition offers a seven-day journey aboard a dive yacht, but it’s not your typical vacation experience. Most of the islands lack essential infrastructure, including proper ports.
Ken Hupanda, the organizer of this expedition, stated, “The Great Kalayaan Expedition aims to introduce tourism to the expansive West Philippine Sea. While our program isn’t meant to be seen as an aggressive move, it does contribute to reaffirming our claim over the Kalayaan Islands.”
The first group of paying tourists embarked on this journey from June 2 to June 8, comprising media professionals, academics, and water sports enthusiasts like Filipino diver Bretch Garcinez.
Mr. Garcinez explained, “Nationalism plays a significant role in the decision to join this tour despite the cost. This place is special because it’s being watched by every nation.”
The expedition begins from a restricted Philippine naval facility and takes more than 30 hours for the yacht to reach its first destination, the beautiful Lawak Island, which serves as a bird sanctuary.
However, the tour’s main attraction isn’t the picturesque landscapes but the firsthand encounter with China’s maritime presence, including sightings of a China Coast Guard vessel and other Chinese-owned vessels, which a Philippine Navy officer on the yacht identified.
As they docked at the Philippine-controlled Thitu Island, known locally as Pagasa or Hope Island, the yacht’s chief engineer, Wilfredo Baladjay, received an automated message from a Philippine telecom company, but it welcomed him to China, leading to confusion and frustration. “Pagasa is the Philippines; why is it associated with China?” Mr. Baladjay questioned.
On land, the Philippine Navy team stationed on Thitu continually communicated with the nearby Chinese vessel, urging it to leave the vicinity.
Some tourists then took a speed boat to Sandy Cay, a group of three uninhabited sandbars claimed by both China and the Philippines. It lies between Thitu and the Chinese-controlled Subi Reef, guarded by Chinese vessels.
The 20-minute journey was not without anxiety, as tourists feared potential questioning by the Chinese authorities. However, they docked without incident, and Filipinos on board proudly waved the Philippine flag, adding a touch of levity to a region often marked by tension.
Francois-Xavier Bonnet, a geographer and tour participant, emphasized the need for the Philippines to develop tourism in the area, citing examples from other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and China who have already ventured into tourism in the Spratly Islands, albeit primarily for their own nationals.
(This article (rewritten version) first appeared on CNA/Jr. Amigo/ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of: Senate of the Philippines
MANILA — Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino asserted on Friday that China is making efforts to sidestep the coral harvesting issue in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by suggesting that others “stop the political drama.”
“It appears they are attempting to evade the matter. Not only photographic evidence but scientifically grounded proof demonstrates that the damage inflicted upon Iroquios, Escoda, and Sabina was not solely the result of natural waves or currents, but rather human intervention,” Tolentino said during an interview with CNN’s The Source.
Senator Tol emphasized that although “everything must be substantiated,” preliminary findings indicate possible Chinese involvement.
As the chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, Tolentino remarked, “There is no denying that they are the sole interested party, given that Escoda and Sabina serve as critical waypoints on the route to Ayungin Shoal.”
According to Tolentino, these areas hold strategic significance for potential gas and oil exploration.
Furthermore, Senator Tol underlined that the Philippines needs to initiate legal proceedings to seek compensation.
“China will only be held accountable if conclusive evidence is presented to the global community. This could place them in a position where they are compelled to take appropriate action,” Senator Tol concluded. (ai/mnm)
Image Courtesy of: Inquirer.net
By: Junex Doronio
AS IF TAUNTING the Philippines, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has flatly denied allegations that the Chinese were responsible for the damage to corals in the West Philippine Sea while demanding the immediate removal of BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal.
“The Philippines’ accusations have no factual basis. We urge relevant party of the Philippines to stop creating a political drama from fiction,” Mao said on Thursday, September 21.
She added that if the Philippines truly cares about the environment, it should remove the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal, the formation that China called Ren’ai Jiao.
“If the Philippines truly cares about the ecological environment of the South China Sea, it should tow away the illegally grounded warship at Ren’ai Jiao as soon as possible,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed.
She said the Philippines should stop the vessel “from discharging polluted water into the ocean and not let the rusting warship bring irrevocable harm to the ocean.”
The BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded at the Ayungin Shoal in 1999 during the administration of President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, has become a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the offshore territory.
To recall, the Philippines first filed a complaint against China in 2013 for its massive claims in the South China Sea under its nine-dash line claim.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidated Beijing’s claim, and said that its nine-dash line has no legal basis under international law. (ai/mnm)
Photo of the brand new Cessna-208B (C-208B) Grand Caravan EX Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft that has been added to the Philippine Air Force’s fleet after its formal acceptance, turn-over, and blessing on September 19, 2023, in Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Pampanga. Secretary of National Defense, Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was the Guest of Honor at the turnover ceremony. Photo from Philippine Air Force
THE United States government officially handed over a surveillance aircraft to the Philippines on Tuesday, aimed at bolstering monitoring efforts amidst growing concerns over China’s increasing activities in the West Philippine Sea.
This includes alleged coral harvesting within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The transfer of this US aircraft follows closely on the heels of global attention being drawn to China’s reported large-scale destruction of coral reefs and marine life in the Rozul (Iroquois) Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
Simultaneously, satellite imagery released on Tuesday revealed a suspected buildup of Chinese vessels at Rozul Reef, which is located 125 nautical miles from Palawan and positioned at the southwest edge of Reed (Recto) Bank.
Ray Powell, Director of SeaLight, emphasized that their partners at Planet Labs provided “clear visual evidence” of at least 35 Chinese fishing and maritime militia vessels operating at Rozul Reef. While he couldn’t definitively confirm these as Chinese maritime militia vessels based on the images alone, historical patterns, vessel sizes, and behavior strongly suggest their origin.
Historically, Powell pointed out that vessels from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) have been consistently monitored in this area. Additionally, he noted that neighboring Southeast Asian countries typically do not possess fishing ships of such size, as depicted in the satellite imagery.
Powell also highlighted the “swarming/rafting” behavior exhibited by the ships in the satellite image, a tactic commonly associated with Chinese vessels in the region.
(Jr Amigo/ai/mnm)