Palace: Duterte order for foreign vessels to seek permit not against freedom of navigation

Malacañang on Thursday said President Rodrigo Duterte’s order requiring all foreign vessels passing through the Philippines' territorial waters to notify Filipino authorities and get clearance was not against the principle of freedom of navigation.

“Hindi naman, baka precisely the purpose is to secure them para alam natin kung may daraanan doon, di may escort pa silang Coastguard,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said at a news conference when asked if the policy would run counter to Manila’s advocacy for freedom of navigation.

Under international law, countries have freedom of navigation and overflight in high seas or international waters which do not belong to any state’s jurisdiction.

The Philippines has sovereignty over its 12-nautical mile territorial waters.

After the reported intrusions of Chinese warships, the Philippines on Tuesday said it would drive away foreign vessels passing through its territorial waters without permission.

Panelo said Duterte wants passing foreign vessels to seek permission first, adding non-compliance may force the Philippine government to act in an "unfriendly manner."

The Palace official said he has yet to receive reports from the military or Philippine Coast Guard about the status of the implementation of the President’s directive. — MDM, GMA News