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Sunday, February 9, 2025

NMC slams escalatory acts of China in WPS

The National Maritime Council (NMC) condemned the continued illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) even while incumbent and former lawmakers are urging the administration to bring the matter up for international adjudication.

On Monday, the NMC recounted how two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, identified as CCG 5901 — dubbed “The Monster” for its sheer size — and CCG 3304, were detected operating unlawfully in the waters around Bajo de Masinloc and 70-90 nautical miles off the coastline of Zambales on January 5 and 10, respectively.

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Additionally, a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) helicopter reportedly hovered over a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel conducting routine operations, an act deemed highly provocative and escalatory by the Philippine Government.

“The Philippines strongly opposes these escalatory actions, which disregard Philippine and international laws,” the council said in a statement.

“These actions clearly violate the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its maritime zones,” it pointed out.

In response to the latest intrusion, the PCG promptly deployed vessels to challenge and demand the departure of the Chinese ships.

NMC also reaffirmed its commitment to intensify maritime patrols and law enforcement operations to protect its territorial integrity and provide support to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

As this developed, two sitting senators called for tougher action against China within the international judicial framework.

“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,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said.

“We must work on strengthening alliances with like-minded nations whose Coast Guards can patrol with ours. Together, let us show China that no ‘Monster’ ship can scare us,” she added.

For his part, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the repeated incursions of CCG vessels into Philippine waters, particularly within the country’s EEZ, require a comprehensive and proactive response from the government.

“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,” he said.

Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “NMC condemns unlawful Chinese patrols in Philippine waters.”

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