The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command is investigating an incident in October where the China Coast Guard (CCG) allegedly blocked a group of Filipino fishermen en route to Escoda or Sabina Shoal.
One of the fishermen, who came from Quezon, Palawan, said it was early morning on October 12 when they saw a big CGG vessel 30 miles from Escoda Shoal, according to Chino Gaston’s report on Unang Balita on Tuesday.
“Hinarang kami. Malaking barko na inilawan kami ng malakas na ilaw bago [sila] nag-busina. Umabot siya ng umaga hanggang doon, humaharang pa rin sila,” said Arnel Lepalam.
(We were blocked. The big CCG vessel flashed a bright light on us before they honked. When the morning came, they were still blocking us.)
By 5 a.m., Lepalam said the CCG used two speedboats to harass their group.
“Dalawang speedboat ‘yun, binangga-bangga kami. Binangga-bangga talaga ang katig namin kasi gusto nila na paalisin kami,” he added.
(There were two speedboats bumping us. They were really colliding with us because they wanted to get us out of there.)
Due to the incident, Lepalam said they were not able to fish in Escoda Shoal as about 15 vessels blocked them. He also said they did not see any Philippine vessel in the vicinity that time.
In response, AFP Western Command commander Vice Admiral Alfonso Torres, Jr. said that they will investigate the matter.
“We will conduct further inquiry on this matter and coordinate with concerned law enforcement agencies for appropriate action,” Torres said.
“I assure you that we have 24/7 presence in the West Philippine Sea and incidents like these will be acted accordingly,” he added.
Escoda Shoal is located 75 nautical miles or about 140 kilometers off Palawan and is considered within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
China refers to Escoda Shoal as Xianbin Jiao and claims it is part of its Nansha Islands.
Philippine ship BRP Teresa Magbanua was sent to Escoda Shoal in April to guard against alleged reclamation activities by the Chinese. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel was pulled out in September in order to address the medical needs of some of its crew members and undergo necessary repairs.
Last Friday, China summoned the Philippines’ ambassador to express its objection to Manila’s two new laws asserting maritime rights and sovereignty over disputed areas of the South China Sea, according to a Reuters report.
China made “solemn representations” to the ambassador shortly after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act into law to strengthen the Philippines’ maritime claims and bolster its territorial integrity.
Marcos, in return, said on Monday that China’s opposition over the recently signed maritime laws is “not unexpected.”
“It’s not unexpected. We have to define closely, marami tayong sinasabi [we’re saying a lot] that we have to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Marcos told Palace reporters. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News
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