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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG says civilian ships will remain in WPS despite China's use of warships

PCG says civilian ships will remain in WPS despite China's use of warships

Published Dec 8, 2024 06:52 am
BAJO DE MASINLOC PGCG.jpg
A China Coast Guard ship fires water cannon at a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel in Bajo de Masinloc, West Philippine Sea on Dec. 4, 2024. (Courtesy of National Task Force for West Philippine Sea)

The national government will continue to employ a peaceful and “whole-of-government” approach in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) by maintaining the presence of white ships or civilian vessels from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) despite China’s aggression. 

Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS), said the decision on whether or not the government will send gray ships or warships from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will depend on President Marcos Jr.

“It’s up to the AFP leadership. It’s the Commander-in-Chief that decides whether we are going to modify our response in the West Philippine Sea,” he said in a media forum on Saturday, Dec. 7.

“The President has the full authority to decide on this. As far as the PCG is concerned, we are going to support whatever decision that the AFP and our Commander-in-Chief will carry out,” he added.

According to the PCG official, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy is now becoming part of China’s strategy in asserting its position in the WPS.

While China’s deployment of warships can be considered as a reciprocal act, Tarriela said the AFP could come up with policy recommendations to strengthen the country’s stance in the contested waters.

On Nov. 30, several PLA Navy helicopters hovered over Filipino fishermen in the WPS, prompting the PCG to deploy BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape Engaño. 

Then on Dec. 4, the China Coast Guard (CCG) used a water cannon against a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel trying to help out Filipino fishermen in WPS.

A Chinese PLA Navy warship, according to Tarriela, also shadowed BRP Teresa Magbanua at a close distance of 300 yards in Bajo de Masinloc, marking the first time that the PCG vessel was harassed by a Chinese warship.

The Philippines filed a diplomatic protest stemming from the latest incidents.

Nonetheless, the PCG reiterated the government’s commitment to protect Filipino fishermen in the WPS through collaborative work by different government agencies amid the harassment of Chinese vessels.

“The government’s whole-of-government approach under the leadership of President Bongbong Marcos will not be deterred. We’re still going to deploy our assets in the West Philippine Sea and we will continue to stand our position in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.

The official admitted that the PCG has very limited resources compared to the daunting task of protecting every inch of the country’s maritime territory, but he said this will not stop the agency in ensuring the safety of the Filipino fishermen in the WPS.

Tariella said the PCG adheres to Marcos’ stance that the Philippines is a peace-loving nation and not a war instigator.

Related Tags

West Philippine Sea (WPS) PH-China AFP Bongbong Marcos Jr. PCG
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