NMC: PH filed diplomatic protest over Chinese illegal presence in EEZ

The Philippine government on Monday said it has filed a diplomatic protest over the illegal presence and activities of Chinese vessels in the country's exclusive economic zone and territorial sea.

In a statement, the National Maritime Council said China's actions are clear violations of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064) and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that affirmed Manila's sovereign rights in its maritime zones.

''The Philippines strongly opposes the continued illegal presence and operations of the CCG vessels, as well as the provocative actions of the PLA-N helicopter, within the country’s maritime zones,'' the NMC said.

''The escalatory actions of these Chinese vessels and aircraft clearly disregard Philippine and international laws, as their actions are inconsistent with the exercise of freedom of navigation and innocent passage as well as the exercise of rights and observance of duties by other States in the Philippines’ EEZ under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling,'' it added.

The NMC's remark came after CCG vessel 5901, otherwise known as the “monster ship,” has replaced another Chinese vessel within the Philippines’ EEZ and positioned 97 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.

In view of the situation, the Philippines has filed the appropriate diplomatic protest to counter China’s recent illegal actions in the region, according to the NMC.

China 'monster ship'

The monster ship—reputed as the largest coast guard ship in the world—was earlier spotted 54 nautical miles away from Capones Island, Zambales.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, it has consistently communicated over the radio, reminding the Chinese crew that they are unlawfully operating within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile EEZ.

The PCG said China does not possess any legal authority to conduct maritime patrols within the area.

The NMC said the Philippine government remains resolute in asserting and protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the WPS, and ''urges China to observe Philippine laws and comply with its obligations under international law, particularly UNCLOS.''

''China should direct its vessels to desist from conducting illegal actions that violate the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its EEZ,'' the NMC said.

''The Philippine government further reaffirms its commitment to continue and intensify its legitimate maritime law enforcement and patrol operations, and to safeguard and provide humanitarian support to Filipino fisherfolk in the WPS,'' it added.

File new cases

Meanwhile, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros called on the government anew to file cases against Beijing amid the reported sighting of China's "moster ship" off the coast of Zambales over the weekend.

"As I insisted before, Malacañang should start filing new cases before an international court. Beijing’s ships will only keep coming back if we do not take appropriate measures," Hontiveros said in a statement.

The opposition lawmaker slammed China anew for "not starting the year right." "Instead of keeping the peace in the region, she has chosen to create more disturbance," she said.

For his part, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, who also chairs the chamber's national defense committee, said the repeated incursions of the China Coast Guard into Philippine waters "require a comprehensive and proactive response from our government."

"Makailang ulit ko ng sinabi, nasa panig natin ang mga legal na batayan para ipaglaban ang ating karapatan," Estrada said, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling which invalidated China's claim over the West Philippine Sea.

[As I've been saying, we need to fight for our right since the law is on our side.]

"I think it's crucial to take action now. We need a proactive, united, and sustained approach to protect our rights and ensure the safety and security of our people. The Philippines will not yield to coercion or intimidation when faced with challenges to our sovereignty," he added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News