Gov’t consistent in invoking Philippine sovereignty over WPS —Palace

Malacañang on Wednesday said the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) has “always been consistent” in invoking Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights over its territorial waters.

In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte has “underscored” the importance of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling before the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Roque said the Department of Foreign Affairs has also filed appropriate diplomatic protest against China and summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over the Julian Felipe Reef situation.

“The presence of Philippine maritime security and law enforcement forces have been stepped up in the municipality of Kalayaan to protect Filipino fishermen and the marine resources,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said the Philippines filed anew two diplomatic protests after the government found over 200 Chinese militia vessels lingering at the WPS.

Aside from the 240 Chinese militia vessels, six Chinese navy vessels, including three warships, have been spotted in the WPS by Philippine sovereignty patrols. There were also two People's Liberation Army Navy vessels seen in Bajo de Masinloc.

The NTF-WPS said there were also illegal Chinese poachers discovered in parts of the Pag-asa Islands.

Chinese Foreign Ministry has appealed to some Philippine officials to stop "hyping up" and giving negative reactions to the situation in the WPS despite the continued tension in the disputed waters.

An expert has said the Philippine government’s effort to protect the WPS is weak.

In a forum by the Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, Simularity co-founder and CEO of Liz Derr said more WPS features will be taken by other countries if this weak approach continues.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its expansive claim before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, and won the case in a landmark award in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions.

China rejected the ruling, saying its claims have historical basis and are “indisputable.”—LDF, GMA News