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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH won't succumb to 'unprovoked aggression'; Marcos orders peaceful resolution of South China Sea dispute

PH won't succumb to 'unprovoked aggression'; Marcos orders peaceful resolution of South China Sea dispute

Published Sep 1, 2024 05:30 am

At A Glance

  • According to the NMC, a China Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times while patrolling the area of the Escoda Shoal.

The National Maritime Council (NMC) said that President Marcos wants the Philippines to pursue diplomatic channels to resolve the rising tensions in the South China Sea as the Council assured Filipinos that the country will not succumb to China's aggressive behavior in the disputed waters.

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File photos

"As directed by the President, the Philippines will fully utilize and continue to pursue diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order and pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes," the NMC said.

"We will not succumb to acts of harassment and aggressive behavior," it added.

Marcos' order came after the China Coast Guard (CCG) rammed a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in Escoda Shoal on Saturday, Aug. 31.

According to the NMC, the Philippines condemns China's actions which it described as "uncalled for" as the PCG vessel was engaged in a peaceful and lawful patrol within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.

"The Philippines condemns this unprovoked aggression and remains steadfast in upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea," it said.

Despite this, the Council said the Philippines will continue its activities in areas of the South China Sea which falls under the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

"The Philippines will continue our routine maritime activities, protect our territory and maritime zones, and defend against environmental degradation and other illegal activities," it said.

"The Philippines will continue its sovereign operations in its maritime zones. The BRP Teresa Magbanua will remain and maintain its operations in the West Philippine Sea," it added, noting that Escoda Shoal is around 75 nautical miles from the Philippine baselines, which is well within the Philippines’ EEZ.

The NMC also called on the CCG to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of vessels at sea and aircraft within Philippine airspace.

According to the NMC, a China Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times while patrolling the area of the Escoda Shoal.

The Chinese boat, identified as China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5205, took several maneuvers to hit Magbanua at around 12:07 p.m.

The Council said the aggressive maneuver by CCG 5205 endangered the life and safety of the Filipino crew and personnel of Magbanua. Fortunately, no one was reported killed or injured in the incident.

The Philippine government has emphasized that the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal is legal and follows international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos Escoda Shoal PH-China South China Sea President Marcos BRP TERESA MAGBANUA National Maritime Council
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