The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday, Feb. 31, that Chinese vessels remain present in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the protests filed against their activities in the region.
The PCG said there are 26 suspected militia vessels in Sabina Shoal and four in Ayungin Shoal, both within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ), during its conduct of maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight.
Chinese vessels issued radio challenges but the PCG kept its position.
“Ang Philippine Coast Guard pilot po natin sinabihan sila na we are conducting our route MDA flight and we also ordered China Coast Guard to depart immediately [be]cause they are theEEZ of our country,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, said.
The PCG also said that the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) vessel 5205 involved in the laser pointing incident in Ayungin Shoal has left. However, it was replaced by CCG vessel 5304 situated one nautical mile from BRP Sierra Madre.
“Ito’y nagpapakita rin na hanggang ngayon ay ini-ignore nila ang ating legal ownership sa Ayungin Shoal,” Tarriela said, referring to the continued presence of Chinese vessels in Philippine waters.
The PCG vowed that it is increasing its presence in the area, with the deployment of an offshore patrol vessel and 44 multirole response vessels.
Documentation and monitoring of China’s activities in the region are also ongoing. This is to support the Department of Foreign Affairs in filing protests.
“Mananatili po ang aming presensya at mananatili po ang aming pagpapatrol. At amin pong poprotekhan ang interes ng bawat mangingisdang Pilipino,” Tarriela said.– Reports from Bea Bernardo and Janine Dumaguin/KC-ag
