The Philippines strongly condemns the recent aggression by the China Coast Guard (CCG) following another ramming incident involving a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel in Escoda Shoal.
The CCG vessel 5205 deliberately rammed the BRP Teresa Magbanua three times while patrolling Escoda Shoal. It reportedly took several maneuvers to hit the PCG vessel at around 12:07 pm on Saturday.
No one on board was injured in the incident, but the National Maritime Council (NMC) emphasized that the 'aggressive' behavior endangered the lives and safety of the Filipino crew and personnel on the Magbanua.
Escoda Shoal is approximately 75 nautical miles from the Philippine baselines, placing it firmly within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
According to the NMC, the Philippine government has affirmed that the presence of the BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal is legal and complies with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“The Philippines condemns this unprovoked aggression and remains steadfast in upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” the NMC said in a statement on Saturday.
“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 added.
NMC reiterated that the Philippines will fully utilize diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order and seek a peaceful resolution to disputes, as directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Additionally, the NMC affirmed that the country will continue its sovereign operations in its maritime zones and that the BRP Teresa Magbanua will remain active and maintain its operations in the West Philippine Sea.
“We will not succumb to acts of harassment and aggressive behavior,” the NMC said in closing.
