THE Philippines condemned on Saturday the latest aggression by the China Coast Guard when it rammed a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in Escoda Shoal.
“The Philippines condemns this unprovoked aggression and remains steadfast in upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” the National Maritime Council (NMC) said in a statement on Saturday, hours after the incident.
“The Philippines will continue our routine maritime activities, protect our territory and maritime zones, and defend against environmental degradation and other illegal activities,” the NMC said.
“As directed by the President, the Philippines will fully utilize and continue to pursue diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order and pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes,” according to the statement .
The NMC said China’s latest actions are uncalled for as the PCG vessel was engaged in a peaceful and lawful patrol within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.
The NMC came out with the statement hours after a China Coast Guard vessel deliberately rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times while patrolling the area of the Escoda Shoal.
The Chinese boat, identified as China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5205, took several maneuvers to hit Magbanua at around 12:07 p.m.
With the aggressive maneuver by CCG 5205, it endangered the life and safety of the Filipino crew and personnel of Magbanua, the NMC said. Fortunately, no one was reported killed or injured in the incident.
The NMC highlighted the aggressive behavior of the China Coast Guard against the PCG while conducting a routine patrol within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Escoda Shoal is around 75 nautical miles from the Philippine baselines, which is well within the Philippines’ EEZ.
The Philippine government emphasized the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal is legal and is in accordance with international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, the NMC said.
The NMC also called on the CCG to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of vessels at sea and aircraft within Philippine airspace.
“The Philippines will continue its sovereign operations in its maritime zones. The BRP Teresa Magbanua will remain and maintain its operations in the West Philippine Sea,” the NMC said.
“We will not succumb to acts of harassment and aggressive behavior,” the NMC stated.
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