PCG hoping China will comply with arrangement in Ayungin

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is hoping that Beijing will adhere to the bilateral consultation mechanism between Filipino officials and their Chinese counterparts that seeks to de-escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Chino Gaston's report on "24 Oras," PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Philippines remained steadfast on its sovereignty.

“We expect, we are all hopeful. Ang pag-uusap na 'yan, hindi natin isinuko ang laban sa West Philippine Sea. Atin pa rin nating tinitindigan ang sovereignty, sovereign rights in our jurisdiction,” Tarriela said. 

(We expect, we are all hopeful. We will not surrender our claim in the West Philippine Sea. We will stand with our sovereignty, sovereign rights in our jurisdiction.) 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said in his third State of the Nation Address on Monday that the Philippine government will continue to find ways to de-escalate tensions in the highly-disputed waters following the several incidents that the China Coast Guard prevented Filipino troopers in conducting their resupply missions. 

The Chinese Mnistry of Foreign Affairs  earlier said that it would only allow resupply missions if it was notified ahead of time and if there would be an onsite inspection of deliveries to the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal. 

But the Department of Foreign Affairs said that China’s statement was inaccurate and it emphasized that the agreement had been agreed upon that the both countries will not contradict each other’s position.

Further, the Philippine government would continue with the resupply missions. 

According to data by the Philippine Navy, the number of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea declined from 105 in July 15 to 80 in July 22. 

But the so-called “monster ship” 5901 remains at the Escoda Shoal, while two other China Coast Guard vessels were spotted 60 nautical miles from El Nido in Palawan. —Vince Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News