The Department of National Defense has expressed grave concern on the sightings of more than 200 Chinese maritime militia boats in Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea.
Julian Felipe Reef is a large boomerang – shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs (Union Reefs), located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan which is well within the Philippine’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana described the action of China as a “clear provocative action of militarizing the area.”
He called on the Chinese to stop encroaching into the Philippine’s sovereign territory and immediately recall the ships which according to him, violates the country’s maritime rights.
“We call on the Chinese to stop this incursion and immediately recall these boats violating our maritime rights and encroaching into our sovereign territory. We are committed to upholding our sovereign rights over the WPS,” said Lorenzana
The National Task Force for the West Philippine (NTF-WPS) Sea has earlier said that they received confirmed reports from the Philippine Coast Guard that 220 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese militia were spotted on the reef on March 7, 2021.
The Defense department is now coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard, the NTF-WPS and the Department of Foreign Affairs for appropriate action in order to maintain peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea, while protecting the welfare of Filipino fishermen.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. General Cirilito Sobejana also issued a statement saying the military is sending out areal patrols to accurately account the current number of the Chinese vessels in the Julian Felipe reef.
He said the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea is concerned of the possible overfishing and destruction of the maritime environment, as well as risks to safety of navigation.
“We will continue to monitor the situation to protect Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea”, said Sobejana.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin has earlier confirmed that the country has lodged a diplomatic protest concerning the issue.
Locsin said in his official twitter account that the diplomatic protest was lodged on Sunday night as recommended by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. – Bea Bernardo
