Coast Guard installs buoys in parts of West Philippine Sea | Global News

Coast Guard installs buoys in parts of West Philippine Sea

/ 05:20 AM May 15, 2023

PAG-ASA ISLAND, West Philippine Sea — To strengthen the country’s maritime stakes in the West Philippine Sea following persistent Chinese incursions, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has installed additional navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Vice Adm. Joseph Coyme, commander of the PCG’s Task Force Kaligtasan sa Karagatan, flew over islands and reefs being claimed by the country on Saturday to inspect the new and previously installed Spanish-made markers equipped with a remote monitoring system.

Article continues after this advertisement

“[They’re] not only for navigational safety for boats and ships but [they] also [serve] as sovereign markers. [They bear] the Philippine flag to boost our presence, as well as control and administration of these claimed areas,” Coyme said of the nearly 30-foot-long buoys weighing two tons each.

FEATURED STORIES

Five buoys were installed last week off the Philippine-occupied islands of Patag (Flat), Kota (Loaita), Panata (Lankiam Cay), and the fishing grounds of Balagtas (Irving) Reef and Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, where dozens of suspected Chinese militia vessels continue to swarm despite the government’s repeated protests. More markers

Last year, the PCG also placed buoys near Lawak (Nanshan), Likas (West York), Parola (Northeast Cay), and Pag-asa (Thitu) Island to mark the country’s claim to these islands.

Article continues after this advertisement

Out of nine features the Philippines occupies in the Kalayaan Island Group, only Rizal (Commodore) Reef and Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal—one of the potential flashpoints in the West Philippine Sea—do not have installed buoys. Coyme said they would add six more markers within the year.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Article continues after this advertisement

During the PCG’s inspection flight on Saturday, several suspected Chinese militia vessels were spotted on Julian Felipe Reef and Iroquois Reef—both within the country’s EEZ.

There were also radio challenges from China, telling the Philippine plane to “leave immediately.”

An international arbitral tribunal ruled in 2016 to invalidate China’s claim to the South China Sea but it never recognized the ruling.

—WITH A REPORT FROM REUTERS

RELATED STORIES

PCG in ‘small talks’ for joint patrol with US Coast Guard

Eyes on WPS: Coast Guard builds command outposts on 3 islands

State-of-the-art buoys to assert Benham Rise belongs to PH

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.

TAGS: maritime dispute, PCG navigational buoys, PH exclusive economic zone, PH-China Relations, Philippine Coast Guard, West Philippine Sea

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.