The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has slammed China for saying that the country should “stop creating a political drama” over the reported environmental damage in coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a statement issued on Saturday, PCG Spokesperson for the WPS Jay Tarriela underscored that the reported “destruction of corals goes far beyond drama.”
“It is a violent act and a serious crime against humanity,” he added.
The destruction of corals goes far beyond drama. It is a violent act and a serious crime against humanity. Stop making allegation that BRP Sierra Madre is polluting the water, but blame it to your numerous Chinese Maritime Militia swarming the Philippines' EEZ.… pic.twitter.com/VkepD3F2Gj
— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) September 22, 2023
Tarriela also urged China to stop alleging that the military ship, BRP Sierra Madre is the one that “discharges polluted water into the ocean.”
“[B]lame it to your numerous Chinese Maritime Militia swarming the Philippines' EEZ,” he pointed out.
Speaking in a press conference last week, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said the Philippines have "no factual basis” for its accusations that China was responsible for the marine damage in WPS.
“We urge [the] relevant party of the Philippines to stop creating a political drama from fiction," he added.
Mao also said that the country should remove the "illegally grounded" and "rusting" warship in the Ayungin Shoal if it truly cares for the ecological environment.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) recently said it is studying the legal options that the national government may take over reported destruction to coral reefs in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed readiness to contribute to the OSG’s efforts in studying possible legal actions.
