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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, China Coast Guard's proposed sea agreement amendments limited in scope — DFA

PH, China Coast Guard's proposed sea agreement amendments limited in scope — DFA

Published Mar 24, 2026 11:48 am  |  Updated Mar 24, 2026 01:51 pm
A Philippine Coast Guard personnel searches for missing passengers of recreational boat MBCA Amejara, which capsized off Davao Gulf on Jan. 19, 2026 while carrying 16 individuals. A crew member was found while five bodies were recovered off Sarangani as of Jan. 24. (Photo: PCG)
A Philippine Coast Guard personnel searches for missing passengers of recreational boat MBCA Amejara, which capsized off Davao Gulf on Jan. 19, 2026 while carrying 16 individuals. A crew member was found while five bodies were recovered off Sarangani as of Jan. 24. (Photo: PCG)
​The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has disclosed that both Philippine and Chinese Coast Guards are engaging to propose amendments in its existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) but such changes are only limited in scope.
"They are focused on re-establishing the Joint Coast Guard Committee, which is intended to serve as a formalized channel of communication between the two coast guards," DFA Maritime Affairs spokesman Rogelio Villanueva said in a statement on Monday night, March 23.
DFA's remark came after Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan was reported saying that both sides are close to concluding a Coast Guard cooperation agreement amid continued confrontation between the two of them is the South China Sea. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Jay Tarriela denied being part of such dialogue, "specifically regarding plans for joint patrols."
According to Villanueva, the MOU "does not contemplate cooperation in sensitive operational areas, joint patrols foremost among them."
Current discussions between the two sides "are consistent with President Marcos's standing directive to maintain open lines of communication and engagement with China."
But Villanueva maintained that the Philippines firmly upholds its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction under international law.
​"The negotiations have been conducted through proper diplomatic channels and are not confined to Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) meetings​," he said, discussing the technicalities of the dialogue.
​"They have been duly reported to, and are known by, all relevant principals — including the National Security Adviser in his capacity as NTF-WPS Chair, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and the PCG Commandant​," he added.
​DFA said it is reaffirming that engagement and vigilance ​"are complementary​" and ​"not contradictory.​"
​"The Philippines will continue to pursue practical maritime cooperation where appropriate, while remaining steadfast in the defense of its national interests​," he added.

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Philippine Coast Guard DFA WPS
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