The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) filed a diplomatic protest against China over the latter’s activities in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal.
In a statement on Monday (May 3), the department protested the “shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuvers, and radio challenges by the Chinese Coast Guard of Philippine Coast Guard vessels conducting legitimate patrols and training exercises in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc on April 24 to 25, 2021.”
The protest also notes the illegal and long stay of Chinese fishing boats and maritime militia vessels in the Philippines’ maritime zones.
“From January 1 until March 18, 2021, Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies monitored the continued unauthorized presence and activities of hundreds of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, particularly in the areas around the Pag-asa Islands, Zamora Reef, Panata and Kota Islands, Ayungin Shoal, Quirino Atoll, and Bajo de Masinloc.
“The presence of Chinese Coast Guard vessels in the Philippines’ territorial waters of Pag-asa Islands and Bajo de Masinloc, and exclusive economic zone raises serious concern.”
Meanwhile, in a statement on Sunday (May 2), Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Lorenzana affirmed that President Duterte has given them a “firm, and straightforward” order, which is to “defend what is rightfully ours without going to war and [to] maintain the peace in the seas.”
READ MORE: http://152.42.253.13/dnd-chief-on-wps-my-statements-echo-prrd-stand/
Report from Bea Bernardo/NGS-jlo
