Filipino marine scientists on Pagasa Island’s Cay 2. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday criticized China for employing what it described as “intimidation tactics” against Filipino scientists conducting research in the West Philippine Sea.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002) and BRP Pagbuaya (MMOV 3003) were deployed Thursday to Pagasa Island Cay 1 and Cay 2, respectively.
Carrying marine scientists, the two ships departed from Pagasa Island port at 10 a.m. and arrived at Cay 1 and 2 at 10:28 a.m.
READ: Removal of PH ship, BDM reclamation a red line China shouldn’t cross
However, before arriving at Pagasa’s Cay 2, Tarriela said the MMOV 3003 experienced “dangerous maneuvers” from a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel with bow number 5204, which crossed its bow at an approximate distance of at least 100 meters.
Tarriela also stated that CCG vessel 5204 used her siren for more than 30 minutes “to call attention among the Chinese maritime militia vessels to support her actions in preventing the BFAR vessels and our marine scientists onboard a rigid hull inflatable boats that were used for them to safely land at Cays 1 and 2.”
There were 12 suspected Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) in the vicinity of the maritime feature when the incident occurred.
“The marine scientific resource assessment was successfully conducted by Filipino marine scientists and personnel, despite the illegal presence and intimidation tactics,” Tarriela said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that the marine research was completed by 2 p.m.
Tarriela also highlighted the legitimacy of the scientists’ presence there, noting it is in full accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“The maritime scientific resource assessment aims to contribute to the understanding and sustainable management of the Philippine marine resources in the area,” he said.
On the other hand, the CCG’s presence in the area “is a clear infringement of the Philippines’ territorial sovereignty.”
The Cay 1 and 2 and their surrounding waters are within the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island, making it part of the Philippine national territory.
China’s latest action is based on its assertion of ownership in almost the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling.