The NTF-WPS reiterates its assertion of Philippine sovereignty, and sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the KIG and West Philippine Sea (WPS), and expresses deep concern over the continuing unlawful presence (swarming) of the Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM), which did not pull out and have remained in Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef and are now in other areas of the Kalayaan Island Group in the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan.
After our three rounds of routine aerial and maritime sovereignty patrol missions complemented by the filing of a diplomatic protest by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the number CMM recorded at two hundred twenty (220) on 7 March 2021, remained high at one hundred eighty-three (183) on 22 March 2021 and one hundred ninety-nine (199) on 27 March 2021. On 29 March 2021, forty-four (44) CMM remain moored, anchored, and stationary at Julian Felipe Reef. In addition, one hundred fifteen (115) CMM vessels are now monitored in Chigua (Kennan) Reef, forty-five (45) vessels in Pag-asa (Thitu) Islands and the other fifty (50) vessels are dispersed in Panganiban (Mischief), Kagitingan (Fiery), and Zamora (Subi) Reefs, all within the Kalayaan Island Group. Four (4) People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels are also at Panganiban Reef, which forms part of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of the main Philippine archipelago.
The Philippines appreciates the statements of support from its international partners who share common adherence to rules-based order consistent with international law, including the UNCLOS, as affirmed by the 2016 Arbitral Award. Neither the Philippines nor the international community will ever accept China’s assertion of its so-called “indisputable integrated sovereignty” over almost all of the South China Sea, part of which is the WPS.
The Philippines calls on China to immediately withdraw these vessels flying its flag. NTF-WPS stands by its observation that these so-called “fishing” vessels are maritime militia. Their build-up and massing formation from Julian Felipe Reef to other areas of the Kalayaan Island Group is hazardous to navigation and safety of life at sea. They may be doing illicit activities at night and their lingering (swarming) presence may cause irreparable damage to the marine environment due to marine pollution and destruction of coral reefs. Their swarming also poses a threat to the peaceful exercise of sovereign rights of the Philippines in its EEZ.
The NTF-WPS remains steadfast in upholding Philippine sovereignty over its territories, and protecting its EEZ in accordance with international law. It has increased the deployment of maritime vessels from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to undertake enhanced routine patrols to safeguard our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national patrimony in the Kalayaan Island Group.
