DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr yesterday chided China for saying Philippines is illegally occupying Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea.
At a forum, Teodoro said it is China that is squatting inside the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has said Philippines’ “illegal occupation of Zhongye Island (Pag-asa Island) has seriously violated China’s sovereignty.” Mao also said it was “reasonable and lawful for Chinese warships to patrol the waters near Zhongye Island (Pag-asa Island).”
Mao made the statement after an incident last Friday when a Chinese Navy ship harassed the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Benguet near Pag-asa Island.
BRP Benguet was on its way to deliver supplies to troops at another Philippine-occupied feature, Rizal Reef, when it was shadowed by the Chinese ship which also attempted to cross the bow of the Philippine ship.
“I don’t want to laugh because that would be rude. But ask them what they want to say.
They may say ‘indisputable sovereignty’ over the South China Sea,” said Teodoro, responding to China’s remarks.
“How many are believing that?” asked Teodoro, referring to China’s narrative that it has indisputable right over the entire South China Sea.
Teodoro said Philippines can be accused of illegal occupation only if it occupies a Chinese territory. “If Philippines occupies Hainan Island (China’s southernmost province), that’s illegal occupation. But they are the ones within our 200-(nautical) mile exclusive economic zone,” he said.
“They are the squatters here, they are the illegal occupants here. They can apply for visa; they will be granted by the BID (Bureau of Immigration and Deportation),” he said, referring to the now Bureau of Immigration.
Teodoro said military operations in the West Philippine Sea will continue as planned despite the latest Chinese harassment.
“To reiterate, we are not provoking anybody because we are doing legitimate activities within our 200-nautical mile EEZ and other territorial jurisdictions,” he said. “Now, if we enter the 200-nautical mile EEZ of other countries, then that is a pure provocation, which we have no intention of doing whatsoever,” said Teodoro.
Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Rear Adm. Armand Balilo said the PCG is acquiring two aircraft to boost the PCG’s operations in the West Philippine Sea.
Balilo said President Marcos Jr gave the go signal for the acquisition of the aircraft last Tuesday during the celebration of the PCG’s 122nd anniversary.
“In addition to the pronouncement of the President yesterday (Tuesday) during our anniversary celebration that the PCG will be acquiring 40 15-meter fast boats, the President has also given us the go signal to start the bidding process of two units of 19-seater airplanes that would be used to intensify our maritime domain awareness over the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
