MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to a “peaceful” resolution of maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite recent aggressive actions by China in Escoda Shoal.
The National Maritime Council (NMC) said in its recent statement, “As directed by the President, the Philippines will fully utilize and continue to pursue diplomatic channels and mechanisms under the rules-based international order and pursue the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
“While we pursue peaceful resolution, we will not succumb to acts of harassment and aggressive behavior,” the NMC emphasized, assuring the public of the country’s commitment to uphold its sovereignty and rights in the contested waters.
The NMC’s statement follows an incident involving a Chinese Coast Guard vessel’s reported ramming of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua three times.
According to PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela, this aggressive maneuver endangered lives and caused significant damage to the Philippine vessel, which was conducting routine patrols within its exclusive economic zone.
The NMC clarified that the presence of BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda Shoal, located just 75 nautical miles from the Philippine baselines, is legal under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed support for the government’s commitment to dialogue, as he also called for stronger measures to protect the country’s sovereignty.
“We should enhance our presence in the WPS, reinforce our alliances, and ensure that our capabilities are sufficient to protect our sovereign rights,” he said.
Romualdez also urged the international community to hold China accountable for its actions and encouraged the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring the issue to the highest levels of global diplomacy.
The Philippines has declared that it would remain resolute in its operations within its maritime zones, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding its territory against environmental degradation and illegal activities. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
