President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday maintained his stance to pursue “peaceful” resolution of disputes in the contested waters, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS), despite China’s latest aggression in Escoda Shoal.
“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 National Maritime Council (NMC) said in a statement.
The NMC, nevertheless, assured the public that the Philippines “will not succumb to acts of harassment and aggressive behavior”.
It said the Philippines would continue upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the WPS.
“China’s latest actions are uncalled for as the Philippine vessel was engaged in a peaceful and lawful patrol within its own maritime jurisdiction,” the NMC said.
In a press briefing, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5202 “deliberately” rammed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) thrice in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal.
The CCG vessel’s aggressive maneuver endangered lives and caused significant damage to BRP Teresa Magbanua while conducting routine patrols within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The NMC asserted that the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal, which lies just 75 nautical miles from the Philippine baselines, is “legal and is in accordance with international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award”.
The NMC called on the CCG to “exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of vessels at sea and aircraft within our airspace”.
“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 said, adding that the Philippines would continue carrying out its routine maritime activities, protecting its territory and maritime zones, and defending its waters against environmental degradation and other illegal activities. (PNA)
Photo credit: Screengrab from X/jaytaryela