BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal stays — DFA | Global News

BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal stays — DFA

/ 06:25 PM August 08, 2023

GUARDING AYUNGIN Filipino troops aboard the decommissioned BRP Sierra Madre guard Ayungin, one of the shoals being claimed by China in the South China Sea.

GUARDING AYUNGIN  – Filipino troops aboard the decommissioned BRP Sierra Madre guard Ayungin, one of the shoals being claimed by China in the West Philippine Sea. 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will not remove the decommissioned  BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shaol despite China’s persistent call, saying that its deployment within  the country’s territorial waters does not violate any law. 

“The deployment of a Philippine military station in its own areas of jurisdiction is an inherent right of the Philippines and does not violate any laws. Moreover, the Philippine station on Ayungin Shoal was deployed in 1999, years ahead of the conclusion in 2002 of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and is therefore not a violation of the DOC,” said DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said in a statement Tuesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The Philippines decided in 1999 to deploy a permanent station on Ayungin Shoal in response to China’s illegal occupation of Panganiban Reef in 1995,” she added.

FEATURED STORIES

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday evening claimed that the Philippines has agreed to “tow away” the BRP Sierra Madre multiple times but has yet to act on it. 

But the DFA said BRP Sierra Madre is “a permanent station” for Philippine military personnel deployed to protect and secure Philippine rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea.

Article continues after this advertisement

DFA said Ayungin Shoal is part of the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. Hence, the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over it.

RELATED STORIES:

PCG condemns China Coast Guard’s water cannon attack in WPS

US, allies slam China for firing water cannons on PH vessels

 gsg

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: Ayungin Shoal, BRP Sierra Madre, China, DFA, 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.