The Philippines maintains the deployment of law enforcement patrols and maritime exercises of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels on a rotational basis over the waters of the Municipality of Kalayaan and our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This is pursuant to our exercise of sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea (WPS), consistent
with the Government’s commitment against illegal unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF), and to enforce our laws on maritime security and safety and environmental protection.
The BFAR also is implementing its Integrated Maritime Environment Monitoring System (IMEMS) to counter IUUF, for monitoring of fishing vessels, and accounting of fishing catches and landings to ensure effective and efficient fisheries management.
The Government maritime patrols will be joined by the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG) Regional Maritime Units which will be assigned to the Area Task Forces (ATF) West and North for involvement in seaborne operations.
The NTF-WPS welcomes the most recent diplomatic protests filed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) against the illegal Chinese activities in the Philippine territory, and EEZ within the WPS.
We condemn in the strongest terms the shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuvers and radio challenges conducted by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) against PCG vessels BRP Gabriela Silang and BRP Sindangan, during legitimate law enforcement patrols and maritime exercises while in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) on 24-25 April 2021, as a violation of our sovereignty. As part of our rotational patrol over BdM, PCG vessels BRP Sindangan and BFAR MCS 3005 are en route to the area to enforce our fisheries laws and protect our
fishermen. On the other hand, BRP Malapascua is under way to the Municipality of Kalayaan.
The announcement of China that it will impose a unilateral fishing ban on Chinese fishing vessels in the areas of the South China Sea north of the 12th parallel, from 1 May to 16 August 2021 is noted. This fishing ban does not apply to our fishermen and the NTF-WPS opposes China’s imposition of the same over the areas within the territory and jurisdiction of the Philippines. The NTF-WPS reiterates that our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters in the WPS.
Complementing the Government maritime patrols, the ATF-West regularly conducts Joint Seaborne Patrol Operations (JSPO) around the Pag-asa Islands, covering the sandbars to the west and reefs to east of the main island. These also include regular patrols to Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay), contrary to claims that the Philippines has “lost” this feature which is part of our territory.
On 27 April 2021, the PCG vessel BRP Cabra accompanied by BFAR vessels MCS 3002 and 3004 proceeded to Sabina Shoal, which is located 130NM west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan and east of Ayungin Shoal, in performance of WPS law enforcement functions and maritime exercises.
Upon their arrival, the Government vessels sighted seven (7) Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels which were in nested or in stationary linear formation at Sabina Shoal. The crew of BRP Cabra issued a series of challenges to the offending vessels, but elicited no response from the CMMs. After around twenty (20) minutes, however, the CMMs vessels dispersed and left the shoal after being challenged by BRP Cabra.
Two days later, on 29 April 2021, the BRP Cabra returned to Sabina Shoal and again, observed five (5) CMMs. The CMMs left the area upon the arrival of BRP Cabra.
The NTF-WPS emphasizes that the maritime exercises and patrols routinely conducted by the PCG and BFAR are part of the maritime law enforcement activities of its member agencies in the exercise of Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights over our territorial seas and EEZ, respectively.
The Philippines is not deterred from defending our national interest, patrimony,
and our dignity as a people with all that we have. Thus, the conduct of law enforcement patrols and maritime exercises in the WPS and Municipality of Kalayaan by the PCG and the BFAR will continue as directed by the President. The Government is firm in its resolve to protect what is ours for the benefit of the Filipinos.
The Philippine Government shall not shirk from its constitutional obligation to preserve and protect our territorial integrity, and the exercise of our sovereign rights. We reiterate our call to all nations and stakeholders to reconsider their actions, cooperate and comply with their international obligations.
(Press Release)
