Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela reiterated that the China Coast Guard (CCG) violated territorial rules and that they are "trespasser".
After being blocked by CCG through carrying out dangerous maneuvers, discovering 48 Chinese maritime Militia in Iroquois Reef and three China Coastguard in Tabina Shoal, Tarriela is certain CCG has no basis to claim sovereignty and jurisdiction over West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“We remained to be committed despite the danger na ginagawa ng Chinese Coast Guard when it comes to their dangerous maneuver,” said Tarriela in an interview with DZRH.
“Ang atin pong basehan that we claim sovereignty right over Ayungin Shoal, is the distance wherein it’s 105 nautical miles from our nearest coastline and in accordance with the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea,” he explained.
Tarriela said it is clear that the areas CCG is claiming are in Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
“They are trespasser and they also violated International Convention Commission Regulation,” Tarriela claimed.
According to him, the current Chinese Maritime Militia swarming in Iroquois Reef conveys control and power.
Recently, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the Philippine government to raise the WPS issue to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly following continued aggressive actions of Chinese vessels against Philippine ships in the WPS.
Hontiveros slammed China’s actions for their “complete disrespect of international law.
