The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday, August 8, defended that the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The PCG made the comment a day after China demanded the removal of the ship from Ayungin Shoal, which it calls Ren’ai Jiao.
In a televised interview, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Commodore Jay Tarriela was asked about the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claim that the Philippines promised to remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal.
Tarriela said that it couldn't recall any promises made by the national government to remove the vessel.
He reiterated that Ayungin Shoal is only 115 nautical miles from Palawan, where it falls within the EEZ of the country.
According to Tarriela, the Philippines have sovereign rights and jurisdiction over these waters.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the statement on Monday in response to the US State Department's criticism of Chinese ships blocking Philippine ships on a resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre on August 5.
