“Don’t be afraid to fish in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), it is ours.”

This was the message of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. to Filipino fishermen who are having doubts in going to the WPS amid the looming enforcement of a new maritime regulation by China against “trespassers” in the areas they claim in the South China Sea.

On the eve of the implementation of China’s Order No. 3, Brawner said that the AFP has discussed with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) the steps that they will be taking to ensure the safety of Filipino citizens in the disputed waters.

Brawner said they also talked to different fisherfolk group who might be affected by the new order, which is set to take effect on Saturday, June 15.

“Sinabi namin sa kanila is that for them not to be afraid but to just go ahead with their normal activities na mangisda doon sa ating exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Remember atin po itong ezclusive economic zone na ito, we have the right to exploit the resources in the area (We told them not to be afraid but to just go ahead with their normal fishing activities in our exclusive economic zone. Remember, that exclusive economic zone is ours and we have the right to exploit our resources in the area),” the AFP chief said on the sidelines of the Air Force Symposium and Expo 2024 in Pasay City on Friday, June 14.

“Kaya po dapat ay hindi matakot ang ating mga mangingisda anyway nandyan po ang inyong Armed Forces of the Philippines, ang ating Philippine Navy, pati na rin ang Philippine Coast Guard. Marami po tayong pinaguusapan na hakbangin na gagawin in order for us to protect our fishermen (That’s why our fishermen should not be afraid, anyway your Armed Forces of the Philippines is there through the Philippine Navy, as well as the Philippine Coast Guard. We have a lot of discussions on what steps should be taken in order for us to protect our fishermen),” he added.

China occupies almost the entire SCS, including some features within the Philippines’ EEZ. 

Last month, Beijing issued Order No. 3 which empowers the China Coast Guard (CCG) to arrest and detain foreign nationals who will be caught illegally entering the areas it claims in the SCS from 30 to 60 days even without a warrant.

This, after a civil-society group, Atin Ito Coalition, launched a 100-boat convoy in the WPS to normalize civilian presence and oppose China’s militarization of the key waterway.

Brawner admitted being "concerned" about the declaration by China that its coast guard will arrest trespassers in its claimed territories, even if a 2016 arbitral ruling already rejected their dash-line claims.

Meanwhile, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the new regulation of China undermines the rule of law and international norms that govern maritime conduct.

“The presence and actions of its vessels in our waters are illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive,” she said.

Padilla said the AFP remains steadfast in its mission to protect the country’s interests in the WPS and ensure the safety of personnel and citizens there even with the presence of Chinese vessels.

“We will continue our maritime patrols in areas within the Philippines’ jurisdiction,” she said. “We will not be deterred or intimidated."