UP scientists recall China harassment during research in Escoda Shoal

Marine scientists of the University of the Philippines (UP) on Friday recalled the harassment they experienced when they came face to face with the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) during a recent marine scientific survey in the Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

“We were certainly worried for our welfare. There was a time when the three of us were already in the water and the Chinese Coast Guard wanted to get closer, but we were already in the waters,” Fernando Siringan, Ph.D of the UP Marine Science Institute told Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report. 

UP Institute of Biology’s Jonathan Anticamara said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was “outnumbered” during the recent face-off against the CCG.

“Medyo outnumbered actually 'yung boats natin nakita niyo naman. Apat 'yung Coast Guard nila, marami silang rubber boats at nagpadala na rin sila ng speed boat,” Anticamara added. 

(Our boats were outnumbered. Four of CCG personnel were there. They also deployed rubber boats and speed boats.)

While the researchers only managed to gather limited resources, the UP scientists said results of the marine scientific survey showed the corals in the shoal are now "almost 100% dead”. 

“Because we only have two days, we prioritized Sand Bar 1 and Sand Bar 3,” Anticamara said.

“What we found on the first day ay extensive na masyado 'yung bleaching to the extent that what we saw, that we documented across the area almost 100% na patay na 'yung mga corals,” he added.

(What we found on the first day is that the bleaching is very extensive to the extent that what we saw and documented across the area is the corals are almost 100% dead.)

The scientists also said China conducted acoustic surveys on the area based on their observations.

“Certainly, may mga coral rubble doon sa area. Ito bale 'yung mga gravel bars na nakikita natin (Certainly, there is coral rubble in that area. These are the gravel bars we see),” Siringan said.

“Whether it is fully natural or partially man-made, may mga kailangan pang i-combine na data sets to be able to say 'yung definite na conclusion doon sa part na 'yun,” he added.

(There are still data sets that need to be combined to be able to say the definite conclusion in that part.)

Meanwhile, the PCG said it was the first time the Philippines documented China deploying a hovercraft inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“For China to conduct amphibious drill within our own exclusive economic zone is also not permitted,” said PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela 

"I'm pretty certain that they have not informed the Department of Foreign Affairs of such military exercise or conducting while at the same time you're doing a marine scientific research. Would this merit a diplomatic on the part of the DFA? The PCG will be formally submitting our after-operation report after this event to the NTF-WPS,” he added. 

Escoda Shoal for the past few weeks has been on the radar due to the increased Chinese presence and the escalating territorial dispute.

A tense faceoff between the coast guards of Philippines and China broke out in Escoda Shoal earlier this week after Chinese forces attempted to block a recent Philippine marine scientific research mission to the disputed reef. 

Last month, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported dumping of crushed corals near the area. 

China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA) also recently held military exercises there which was called out by the Philippine Navy.

China claims the reef as part of its territory even though it is just 75 nautical miles off Palawan, well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News