A swarm of over 50 militia vessels, accompanied by a China Coast Guard ship, was reported Friday, February 21, within the vicinity of Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
The swarm of vessels was recorded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) during a maritime domain awareness flight in the Kalayaan Island Group, in reaction to recent aggressive maneuvers made by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy helicopter against a BFAR aircraft last Tuesday.
PCG spokesperson for WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said the MDA was conducted with the aim of asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
Tarriela said the mission also documented the presence of at least six CMM vessels in Rozul Reef while CCG vessel 5101 was sighted near Pag-asa Island.
He further noted that throughout the flight, the BFAR aircraft consistently challenged the illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces encountered.
“This mission also documented the unlawful activities conducted by the Chinese Coast Guard and Maritime Militia in the Kalayaan Island Group,” he said, noting the provocations made by the Chinese vessels and their illegal presence in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
He said despite the incursions and harassment from China, they will continue to perform their mandate to protect the country’s maritime sovereignty and territorial rights in WPS.
“Undeterred by provocations from the People’s Republic of China, BFAR and PCG remain resolute in maintaining our presence in the West Philippine Sea and confronting the illegal activities of foreign vessels,” Tarriela stated.
“BFAR and PCG reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the Philippines’ sovereignty and ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s maritime domain, despite the unprofessional and dangerous behavior exhibited by Chinese maritime forces,” he added.
