The Armed Forces of the Philippines has rejected what it described as a misleading and deceptive portrayal by Beijing-based outlet China Daily that casts Filipino fishermen as aggressors in the West Philippine Sea.
“These narratives are inconsistent with verified information from Philippine maritime authorities and misrepresent the circumstances involving unarmed civilian fishing vessels in the WPS,” the Philippine military said.
In a statement, the AFP also called out Chinese media for suggesting that the reported injuries sustained by Filipinos during China’s water cannon attack on Philippine boats in Escoda Shoal last December 12 were fabricated.
“Filipino fishing boats operating near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal were conducting lawful livelihood activities when they were subjected to high-pressure water cannon use, dangerous blocking maneuvers, and other hazardous actions by China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and accompanying ships,” the AFP pointed out.
“These actions resulted in injuries to Filipino fishermen and damage to civilian boats,” it added.
China Daily’s caption for a December 16 video posted on its Facebook page read: “Philippine maritime militia threatening China Coast Guard officers with knives.”
“On December 11, Philippine fishing boats intruded near China’s Huangyan Island, while small aircraft carrying journalists illegally entered Chinese airspace,” China Daily said in its caption.
“On December 12, additional Philippine vessels stirred up trouble by intruding into the lagoon of Xianbin Reef,” it added.
In response, the AFP said Escoda Shoal lies well within the 200 nautical miles that comprise the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), where Filipino fishermen have sovereign rights to operate.
Escoda or Sabina Shoal is located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan.
The military said any interference by foreign vessels in the area is unlawful, and attempts to label fishermen as “maritime militia” or instigators are deemed deceptive and unsupported by evidence.
“The AFP reiterates its commitment to protecting Filipino civilians at sea, upholding international law, and countering disinformation through verified facts and transparency,” the military said.
“The public is urged to remain discerning and rely only on information released through official and transparent channels,” it added.
The WPS refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
