Despite alleged intimidation from Chinese vessels, a team of Filipino scientists have completed marine scientific research on two sandbars near Pagasa (Thitu) Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for WPS, said the contingent was on board Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Pagbuaya while being escorted by PCG ship BRP Sindangan en route to Pagasa or Sandy Cays 1 and 2 when it was tailed by a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel last Thursday, March 21.

The contingent – composed of scientists and experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Biology, BFAR, PCG, and Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) – was tasked to conduct research on the sandbars after reports surfaced that dead corals were discovered there in September last year.

According to Tarriela, the PCG monitored CCG vessel “5204” crossing the bow of BRP Datu Sanday while the BFAR vessel was approximately 100 meters from Pagasa Cay 2. At least 13 Chinese maritime militia vessels were also monitored in the area.

“They did this dangerous maneuver again to prevent BRP Datu Sanday from reaching Pagasa Cay 2,” he said on Friday, March 22.

Despite the dangerous maneuvers, BRP Datu Sanday managed to reach Pagasa Cay 2, according to the Coast Guard official.

The PCG and BFAR also “strongly refuted” the narrative by the CCG that it allegedly evicted 34 Filipino personnel on Pagasa Cay 2. CCG spokesperson Gan Yu said the Filipino contingent “ignored China’s warning and dissuasion and illegally occupied” Tiexian Reef, the name it calls Pagasa Cay 2.

“Contrary to China's claims, the Filipino marine scientist successfully conducted more than four hours of extensive coral reef and fishery resources assessment,” Tarriela said.

The cays and its surrounding waters are located within the territorial sea (12 nautical mile limit) of Pagasa Island, the largest of the nine Philippine-occupied features in the Spratly Island (Kalayaan Island Group). They form part of the Philippine national territory, Tarriela stressed.

“The presence of the CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels in the area is a clear infringement of the Philippines' territorial sovereignty,” he continued.

He said that both the BFAR and PCG are committed to upholding the rule of law and will continue to protect the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law.

“The maritime scientific resource assessment aims to contribute to the understanding and sustainable management of the Philippine marine resources in the area,” Tarriela said.