The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has reiterated its commitment to uphold the country’s stance in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite ongoing aggression from China.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Breaktime on Tuesday, PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, affirmed that the Philippines holds sovereign rights over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), granting the country the authority to patrol and manage its resources.
"We are telling the China Coast Guard that they do not have the legal authority to claim that they are patrolling within our Exclusive Economic Zone. They're claiming that they have jurisdiction over these waters and what they are doing is a legitimate maritime patrol," Tarriela stated.
"Ito nga po ang dahilan kung bakit we have to remind them that they are inside of our own Exclusive Economic Zone and that they are violating the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award," he added.
Tarriela reported that as of today, PCG vessels are actively monitoring China Coast Guard vessels.
He noted that the BRP Teresa Magbanua is deployed 78 nautical miles from Zambales, while the China Coast Guard vessel being monitored is China Coast Guard 3304.
In a recent harassment incident by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Saturday, the CCG employed a sonic or long-range acoustic device that could potentially affect the hearing of anyone within its range.
The soundwaves emitted by the device, which are amplified, are intended to target and impair hearing in specific areas where the device is aimed.
No one was reportedly injured in the incident, as the effect of the device had dissipated by the time the troops boarded the vessel.
"From pambubulag, ngayon pambibingi, lahat na ginamit na nila. But regardless, despite of this aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard, ang atin pong hanay sa Philippine Coast Guard will still stand firm and maintain our position in the West Philippine Sea," said Tarriela.
Meanwhile, Tarriela emphasized that filing a diplomatic protest is crucial as it demonstrates the country’s refusal to support any illegal activities conducted by China.
He further stated that it serves as firm evidence of the Philippines standing up against its actions in the EEZ.
The CCG remains firm in its stance that despite China’s aggressive actions and provocative behavior, the PCG should not be provoked into escalating the tension.
"We are still going to maintain our professionalism and ensure na our actions in the West Philippine Sea is always in accordance with the law," Tarriela said.
