Marcos Orders PCG to Continue Patrols in Disputed Waters

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued an order for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to maintain its rotational deployment of ships in the West Philippine Sea. The purpose of this deployment is to protect Filipino fishers from China’s harassment and incursions, without intending to provoke any party involved.

This order comes in response to the recent incident where Chinese vessels blocked access to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal while Philippine ships were conducting a Rotation and Resupply (RoRe) mission to Filipino troops stationed on board BRP Sierra Madre.

Raymond Powell, a retired United States Air Force colonel and founder of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project, has commended the President’s policies in dealing with Beijing and its aggressive actions in the contested waterway. Powell, who has extensive experience in the region, praised the Marcos administration for its courage and willingness to assert the Philippines’ sovereignty despite the vast difference in size and power between the two countries.

In a news forum in Quezon City, PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea, Jay Tarriela, addressed concerns that the Philippines was provoking China or escalating tension in the area with the rotational deployment of vessels by the PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). Tarriela emphasized that the objective of the deployment is not to provoke or escalate tension, but rather to protect Filipino fishermen and ensure their ability to fish in the West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela clarified that the guidance from the President is clear: to maintain a rational deployment between the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to assert presence in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). He highlighted that the PCG has been present in Philippine waters since February 1, while the BFAR deployed its personnel after their shift in the rotational deployment.

The BFAR deployed its vessels, including the BRP Datu Tamblot (MMOV-3005), as well as the Cessna Caravan (RP-1077) and Cessna 208-B aircraft from Clark, Pampanga. Tarriela emphasized that the rotational deployment will continue as per the President’s guidance, with the objective of ensuring food security and protecting the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish freely without harassment.

During their latest patrol, the PCG encountered dangerous maritime maneuvers from Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Tarriela reported the presence of four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel. Specifically, CCG 3063 and 3064 were deployed to monitor the southeast entrance of Bajo de Masinloc.

The continued deployment of the PCG and BFAR in the West Philippine Sea demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen and asserting the country’s sovereignty in the face of China’s aggressive actions. The President’s order, supported by the commendation from international experts like Raymond Powell, reflects the administration’s determination to safeguard the interests of the Philippines and its people.

It is important to note that the Philippines’ actions are not intended to provoke any party involved but rather to ensure the safety and well-being of Filipino fishermen. The rotational deployment of vessels by the PCG and BFAR is a strategic measure to maintain a presence in the West Philippine Sea and protect the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish freely in these waters.

The Philippines remains steadfast in upholding its sovereignty and will continue to assert its rights in accordance with international law. The government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and securing their livelihoods is evident in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the West Philippine Sea.

Source: The Manila Times