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Malacañang asserted Tuesday that the Benham Rise “belongs to the Filipino people,” disputing China’s claims that the Philippines does not have sole rights over the resource-rich region.
“First and foremost, the Benham Rise belongs to the Filipino people. The Philippine government is duty-bound to defend and protect our sovereign and territorial rights over this region,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters in a press briefing.
Abella said the issue of Benham Rise was discussed with the members of the National Security Council, as well as the matter of the country’s maritime claims on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
“The President did agree that we should improve capabilities of enforcing our rights in the matter, enforcing our rights regarding airspace and territorial waters,” he said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had said that a Chinese survey ship was spotted sailing in Benham Rise for three months last year.
READ: Lorenzana: Chinese survey ship spotted in Benham Rise
The Philippine government has questioned the presence of the Chinese ship around the 13-million hectare undersea region located east of Luzon.
But the Chinese government has said that it was only exercising freedom of navigation and the right to innocent passage.
“Other countries can exercise innocent passage and territorial navigation but they are disallowed to stay and establish any structure in the area,” Abella said.
But the Palace official said the Philippines has “the responsibility to oversee and regulate the sailing ships of other countries that passes the waters of Benham Rise.”
IN THE KNOW: Benham Rise
Amid the issue, Abella said the government would continue to use diplomatic approach in addressing the issue.
“We will continue to pursue diplomatic talks with the other party,” he said. JE
READ: ‘PH has exclusive rights to explore Benham Rise’