PH Navy won’t recognize China fishing ban, tags move as ‘provocative’

FILIPINO FISHERS. The Philippine multi-role response vessel, BRP Bagacay, was blasted with water cannon by China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels while conducting a humanitarian mission to Filipino fishing boats in Bajo de Masinloc on April 30, 2024. The Philippine Navy said on Tuesday it does not recognize the unilateral fishing ban that China imposed in the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency

The Philippine Navy (PN) will not be deterred in carrying out its mandate by China’s unilateral fishing ban that includes maritime zones where the Philippines has sovereignty and jurisdiction, an official said Tuesday.

“The PN does not recognize this provocative statement nor will we be deterred in performing our mandate of securing the welfare of Filipinos wherever he/she is – on land or on sea,” PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a message to reporters.

This came as China announced a fishing ban that takes effect from May 1 to Sep. 16 in areas of the South China Sea north of the 12 degrees north latitude.

“Overall, (our) patrols have been increased in the entire WPS, to include BdM (Bajo de Masinloc), and our northern islands,” he added.

Trinidad said this increase in patrols took effect shortly after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s announcement that the country would be shifting from internal security operations to external defense.

This was further heightened after Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier announced that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be adopting the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept to further protect the country’s vast territories, including its exclusive economic zone, along with its interest.

From May 21 to 27, the PN also reported that 122 assorted Chinese ships were spotted in eight WPS features.

These vessels were detected and broken down into the following locations:

  • Bajo de Masinloc: five China Coast Guard Vessels (CCGVs) and 14 Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels (CMMVs)
  • Ayungin Shoal: five CCGVs and 17 CMMVs
  • Pagasa Island: one CCGV, one People’s Liberation Navy (PLAN) ship, and 34 CMMVs
  • Kota Island: one CMMV
  • Lawak Island: one CMMV
  • Panata Island: three CMMVs
  • Patag Island: two CCGVs and two CMMVs
  • Sabina Shoal: two CCGVs, four PLAN, and 30 CMMVs.

Meanwhile, no Chinese ships were spotted in the vicinity of Parola and Likas Islands and Julian Felipe Reef.

Popular

PBBM underscores public cooperation as key to better disaster response

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his call on the citizenry to remain on constant alert and exercise vigilant measures at...

PBBM lauds eGov app’s impact on Filipinos, hints at upcoming features

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the indispensable role of the eGov app in fast-tracking and streamlining the digitalization of government transactions and services,...

What’s next for the Marcos admin? Key agencies tackle food security, economic dev’t post-SONA 2025

https://www.youtube.com/live/hXRnysWZ6SM?si=GGc-0MxxrP1SXsvE By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reported the situation of the country—along with his administration’s progress, gains, and challenges in the past...

PBBM lauds improvements in PH labor market

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the wide-ranging achievements made by his administration on bolstering the country’s domestic labor market over...