THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday reiterated it will not retaliate against China for bullying Philippines ships in the West Philippine Sea in the South China Sea in the wake of a recent harassment of a PCG vessel near Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.
“We have been compliant with the guidance of our President that we should not be the reason to escalate the tension,” PCG spokesman for the West Philippine Sea spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela told a radio interview.
“Whatever they (Chinese) do to us, we are not going to react negatively that would result in escalation,” said Tarriela.
Four Chinese Coast Guard vessels subjected to “dangerous and blocking maneuvers” the PCG vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua four times during a nine-day patrol at the shoal, from January 1 to 9. The Chinese vessels crossed the bow of BRP Teresa Magbanua twice.
The PCG said the Chinese vessels also shadowed BRP Teresa Magbanua on more than 40 occasions during the patrol, which was also aimed at providing food packs and groceries to some 100 Filipino fishermen in the area.
The PCG said the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua observed four Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels in the area.
Despite the incidents, the PCG said BRP Teresa Magbanua “successfully concluded” the maritime patrol which was ordered by PCG commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan.
China gained control of the shoal following a standoff with Philippine government ships in 2012. Since then, the Chinese have prevented Filipino fishermen from fishing inside the shoal’s lagoon
If the PCG reacts negatively and tension escalates, Tarriela said it will be the Filipino fishermen who will be affected.
“We are not reacting to any provocation. We are not here to escalate the tension,” he added.
Tarriela said the PCG will continue reporting to the international community and to the Filipino people aggressive behavior by Chinese ships.
Chinese vessels have harassed PCG ships not only at Scarborough Shoal but also at the Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal during Philippine military resupply missions.
“Now, the question is are they willing to really go that far, go beyond their gray (zone) tactics that are short of war? There are a lot of scholars that would say otherwise,” Tarriela.
‘STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENT’
During the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” public briefing, Tarriela said there will be more “strategic deployment of our vessels to make sure that the welfare of the Filipino fishermen will always be safeguarded.”
He stressed that the presence of PCG vessels in the West Philippine Sea was in accordance with the international law.
Tarriela dismissed the claim of Chinese Coast Guard that it had driven away the PCG vessel from Scarborough Shoal last February 5. He said the PCG stayed at the vicinity of the shoal until February 9, and the PCG has videos and pictures to prove this.
“If they said they drove us away last February 5, along with Filipino fishermen, and we have the photos to support that we were there until February 9, I think that’s already obvious,” he said.
Tarriela also said the PCG will remain focused on its mission despite Chinese bullying.
“The mission of the Philippine Coast Guard given to us by the President is very clear, for us to make sure that we are going to provide security and support fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc,” he said.
“As to the escalatory and provocative behavior of the Chinese Coast Guard, you have the commitment of the Philippine Coast Guard that we are going to focus on our mission objective and we are not going to be the reason to provoke them. Even if they are provoking and bullying the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Coast Guard will be focused on its mission and that is to protect the Filipino fishermen,” said Tarriela.
INTERNATIONAL ORDER
The Philippines and Switzerland have reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the rules-based international order amid growing uncertainty in the region brought about by tension in the South China Sea.
The reaffirmation was made during talks between Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and visiting Swiss Federal Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis in Manila on February 8.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said Cassis’ trip to Manila marked the first time since 2008 that a Swiss foreign minister is visiting the country.
“The two sides exchanged views on various multilateral, regional and global geopolitical security issues, including the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea,” the DFA said in a statement Monday.
“Both sides reaffirmed the importance of upholding peace, stability and the rules-based international order,” the DFA added.
Manalo and Cassis, according to the DFA, also agreed to boost economic ties between the Philippines and Switzerland, which was facilitated by the strong presence of Swiss companies and investors in the Philippines.
“They also agreed to strengthen collaboration on consular affairs, given the sizable community of Filipinos in Switzerland and vice versa. They also discussed fostering labor cooperation and partnership on climate action,” the DFA said, adding that Manalo thanked Switzerland for its continued support for the Bangsamoro peace process.
The Philippines and Switzerland have been enjoying friendly relations for the past 67 years.
Over 15,000 Filipinos reside in Switzerland, including professionals in information technology, engineering, medical and allied health sectors.
There are about 60 Swiss companies operating in the Philippines, mostly in the IT and manufacturing sectors, generating cumulative investments amounting to P19.6 billion and employing more than 12,000 Filipinos. — With Ashzel Hachero