By Gabriela Baron
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Monday, Sept. 18, that it has seen a “severe damage” in the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.
PCG Spokesperson for West Philippine Sea CG Commodore Jay Tarriela said it monitored an average presence of about 33 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels in the vicinity of Rozul Reef and 15 CMM vessels in Escoda Shoal from Aug. 9 to Sept. 11.
Tarriela said maritime patrols carried out during the same period by BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra also validated the presence of CMMs.
“During the same period the PCG launched missions to conduct extensive underwater surveys of the seabed in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal,” Tarriela continued.
“The results of these surveys showed that the marine ecosystem in the subject WPS features appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life,” he added.
The surveys conducted in Escoda Shoal revealed visible discoloration of its seabed, indicating that “deliberate activities may have been undertaken to modify the natural topography of its underwater terrain.”
The official said the presence of crushed corals suggested they may have been “processed and cleaned” before being returned to the seabed.
“The continued swarming for an indiscriminate illegal and destructive fishing activities of the Chinese Maritime Militia in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in the WPS features,” Tarriela said.
“The PCG emphasizes the importance of protecting and preserving our marine environment, which plays a crucial role in sustaining marine life and supporting local communities, he added.”
