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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH 'strongly condemns' repeated aggression by Chinese maritime forces in WPS in March

PH 'strongly condemns' repeated aggression by Chinese maritime forces in WPS in March

Published Apr 2, 2026 01:31 pm
Philippine Coast Guard disclosed that fishermen, who witnessed the incidents, have documented dangerous maneuvers by Chinese Coast Guard vessels 21605, 3107, and 3103, as well as Chinese Maritime Militia vessels during an incident at the Bajo de Masinloc on March 17, 2026. (Photo grabbed from PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela video)
Philippine Coast Guard disclosed that fishermen, who witnessed the incidents, have documented dangerous maneuvers by Chinese Coast Guard vessels 21605, 3107, and 3103, as well as Chinese Maritime Militia vessels during an incident at the Bajo de Masinloc on March 17, 2026. (Photo grabbed from PCG Spokesperson Jay Tarriela video)
The Philippines, through the National Maritime Council (NMC), condemned the multiple incidents of dangerous maneuvers and harassment by Chinese vessels against Filipino fisherfolk and ships in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"The National Maritime Council (NMC) strongly condemns the recent aggressive and dangerous actions by the China Coast Guard (CCG), the People's Liberation Army Navy, the Chinese Maritime Militia, and other Chinese maritime forces against Philippine vessels, aircraft, and Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea," the NMC said in a statement on Thursday, April 2.
It argued that the "unlawful acts endanger lives, violate international law, and undermine regional peace and stability."
According to the council, the "aggressive and dangerous actions" of China took place on March 7, 17, 20, and 26, totaling five recorded incidents.
The NMC said the Philippines "will undertake appropriate diplomatic actions and engage existing bilateral dialogue mechanisms towards addressing these incidents and concerns."
"The country also reiterates its call on China to withdraw and direct its vessels and maritime assets to cease and desist from illegal, provocative and dangerous actions against Philippine vessels, and to stop activities that violate Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction; and to comply with its obligations under international law," NMC stated.
On March 7, a Chinese Army Navy vessel directed its fire-control radar at BRP Miguel Malvar near Escoda Shoal during a lawful patrol, which, according to NMC, was an "act constituting a threat of force."
On March 17, Filipino fisherfolk at Bajo de Masinloc were "harassed by Chinese vessels through dangerous maneuvers, sirens, and RHIB deployment, interfering with their lawful fishing activities."
On March 20, a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft conducting a routine maritime patrol over the Kalayaan Island Group was met with flares near Panganiban Reef. NMC said it was an act "endangering aviation safety."
On the same day, a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel was subjected to a dangerous maneuver by a CCG vessel at Paredes Reef (Discovery Great Reef).
On March 26, a Philippine navy vessel avoided collision after a China's Army Navy vessel executed an unsafe maneuver near Pag-asa Island, in violation of COLREGs (Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972).
The NMC pointed out that the incidents occurred in areas where the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.
It added that Philippine operations in the areas are lawful and consistent with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
"On the other hand, the activities of China in these areas are inconsistent with international law and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC)," it stressed.
The PCG, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and relevant maritime agencies remain firm in safeguarding Filipino fisherfolk and upholding the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the WPS, the council reaffirmed.
It added that the council remains commitment to a peaceful, lawful, and principled approach in protecting the nation's maritime interests in the WPS. 

Related Tags

National Maritime Council WPS PCG China Chinese vessels
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