The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) announced on Friday that Philippine vessels will continue their operations near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, undeterred by recent confrontations with Chinese forces.
Philippine Operations in Focus
The NTF-WPS condemned the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG), which allegedly involved firing water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels. These incidents occurred while the vessels were engaged in the Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda program, aimed at supporting local fisherfolk.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) strongly condemns the unlawful and dangerous actions of the China Coast Guard against Philippine vessels.
NTF-WPS Statement
One alarming incident involved a Chinese vessel approaching a Philippine ship to within seven meters, raising concerns about a potential collision. The NTF-WPS asserted that these vessels are conducting legitimate operations to safeguard the fishing rights of Filipinos at Panatag, rights that are recognized under international law.
The task force reiterated that the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China's extensive claims in the South China Sea, is final and binding. It emphasized that no amount of pressure from Chinese vessels can alter this legal standing.
The NTF-WPS urged the China Coast Guard to halt its 'dangerous and illegal actions' and to comply with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Panatag Shoal, located approximately 357 kilometers from Palauig, Zambales, is situated well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Since a standoff in 2012, China has maintained effective control over the area, despite the Philippines' sovereignty claims.
The ongoing tensions highlight the Philippines' commitment to protect its territorial waters and the rights of its fishermen, amidst China's rejection of the 2016 arbitral award.