Photo by NOY MORCOSO III
MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Saturday slammed the Chinese coast guard’s reported attempt to block a civilian Philippine ship off the Ayungin Shoal in the Spratly island.
“We condemn the harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard of our civilian vessels which were on their way to Ayungin Shoal to resupply provisions to our personnel stationed there,” said DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Charles Jose.
In a statement, Jose called on China to stand down and respect the Philippines’ sovereignty over the territory.
“We reiterate that Ayungin Shoal is part of Philippines’ continental shelf and (the Philippines) therefore has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it. We demand that China cease taking actions that are a threat to our security,” he said.
The civilian ship was bringing supplies to Philippine soldiers stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre that has been grounded at the Ayungin Shoal, an area within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, but which China claims as its own.
The incident happened a day before the Philippine government is set submit on Sunday its pleading on its maritime dispute with China before an international tribunal.
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