PH gov’t exerted so much effort to settle WPS dispute – PCG

‘INHUMANE’ The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea says the water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Saturday, December 9, 2023, caused “significant damage” to the Datu Bankaw (left). It condemned the CCG’s action as “not as only illegal but also inhumane” for it was directed at a humanitarian mission. (Screen grab from Philippine Coast Guard video)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has exerted so much effort in settling the West Philippine Sea dispute with China, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said during an INQSide Look interview on Thursday

His remark was in response to Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian’s hopes that the government will steer towards bringing bilateral ties back on track.

Tarriela said that the Philippine government worked for peace since the administration of Rodrigo Duterte up until the current administration. 

“The Philippine government has exerted so much effort in negotiating and making peaceful means in settling the dispute with China,” Tarriela said.

“So for the part of the Philippine government and for the Philippine Coast Guard, this is not us provoking China,” Tarriela pointed out.

“We are just on the receiving end of the aggression of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Chinese maritime militia.”

In 2023 alone, the China Coast Guard used military-grade lasers, water cannons and blocked several Philippine vessels on resupply and humanitarian missions in the Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal.

China’s actions are based on its assertion of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea, which includes the WPS, disregarding an international tribunal ruling in 2016 that effectively dismisses its sweeping claims.