Even after the enactment of two new laws seeking to uphold the country’s sovereignty over its maritime territory, China continues to maintain its presence in some disputed parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Philippine Navy (PN) released Tuesday, Nov. 12, its first-ever monthly monitoring of vessels in the WPS which showed that a total of 13,874 vessels passed through all over the Philippine archipelago from Oct. 1 to 31.
The maritime traffic was composed of 11,097 foreign vessels and 2,777 domestic vessels, said Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for WPS.
Out of the total number of foreign vessels, there were 15 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships and 14 People’s Liberation Army (PLA)-Navy warships that were detected by the PN either transiting or passing through the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal), Sabina or Escoda Shoal, Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, and Iroquois Reef.
“The AFP’s monitoring capabilities underscore our dedication to protecting national interests and securing our waters. These provide valuable data on vessel movements and reinforces our resolve to safeguard our sovereignty,” Trinidad said.
Last week, President Marcos Jr. signed into law the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act in a bid to boost the country’s efforts to secure its vast maritime territory, including the WPS.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act declares the Philippines’ maritime zones in accordance with the standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It also seeks to designate the country’s archipelagic sea lanes, which would create routes over the country’s waters and airspace.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act establishes a system of archipelagic sea lanes and air routes, through which foreign vessels and aircraft shall exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage.
China condemned the Philippines for enacting the said laws, saying these violate their territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.
Nonetheless, Trinidad assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will “continue to be vigilant and ready to address potential maritime challenges” in the WPS.
He also reiterated that the military will continue to perform its mission to uphold the maritime security and the rights of the Filipinos not only in the WPS but in the entire archipelago.
“Your AFP will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our waters remain safe and secure for all,” the admiral said.
Pinoy fishermen driven away in Escoda Shoal
As this developed, the military said it will also investigate the reported harassment on Filipino fishermen by CCG ships in Escoda Shoal last month.
According to reports, a group of fishermen were en roue to Escoda Shoal to fish when they were driven away by CCG personnel onboard 15 motorboats about 30 miles from the feature. The incident occurred last Oct. 12.
The Filipino fishermen led by Arnel Lepalam, a resident of Quezon, Palawan, refused to back down until the CCG allegedly bumped their wooden fishing boats and used bright lights and horns to distract them, forcing them to retreat.
Vice Adm. Alfonso Torres Jr., commander of Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom), said he will conduct an inquiry on the incident and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.
He assured that the Wescom has patrolling vessels in the WPS to ensure the safety of the Filipinos passing through or going to fishing activities in its features.
Escoda Shoal is located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan, within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), but China is claiming the feature as part of its territory.
In April, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stationed its flagship vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, in Escoda Shoal amid reports of reclamation by China. However, the PCG ship had to return to port after five months due to dwindling supplies for the troops and dire condition of the vessel after being rammed by CCG.
The CCG and PLA vessels then went on to establish its presence in the feature.