MANILA – President Marcos said no one but the Philippines has a legitimate right to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea, as he condemned the latest aggression of China against Philippine vessels over the weekend.
In a statement on Sunday night, Dec. 10, Marcos called out China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia for their “dangerous actions against our citizens” in two separate incidents in Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc.
Marcos asserted that Ayungin Shoal, where Philippine resupply vessels were water cannoned on Sunday, is within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and no one other than the Philippines has the right to operate within its waters.
“Let me reiterate what is settled and widely recognized: Ayungin Shoal is within our Exclusive Economic Zone, any foreign claim of sovereignty over it is baseless and absolutely contrary to international law. Bajo de Masinloc is sovereign Philippine territory and an integral part of our archipelago,” he stressed.
“No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea. The illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order,” he added.
The President also said China’s provocations only bolstered the country’s resolve to defend its territory.
“The aggression and provocations perpetrated by the China Coast Guard and their Chinese Maritime Militia against our vessels and personnel over the weekend have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
Marcos further said he has been in constant communication with the national security and defense leadership over the twin incidents against Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels.
He added that he has also directed uniformed services to “conduct their missions with the utmost regard for the safety of our personnel, yet proceed with a mission-oriented mindset.”
“To our gallant service members, be assured of our utmost gratitude and fullest support. We remain undeterred,” Marcos said.
On Dec. 9, BFAR vessels were attacked with a water cannon by China’s coast guard and militia vessels during a humanitarian and supply mission to 30 fishing vessels off Bajo de Masinloc
On Dec. 10, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that China’s coast guard and militia vessels “harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous maneuvers” on the Philippine vessels which were conducting a routine resupply and rotation mission.
The water cannon attack caused severe damage to M/L Kalayaan’s engines, disabling the vessel and endangering the lives of its crew.
