Esperon: Chinese militia vessels at Sabina Shoal disperse after PCG, BFAR challenge

Chinese militia vessels moored at the Sabina Shoal inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone dispersed after being challenged by the Philippine Coast Guard, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon has said.

In a statement, the chairman of the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea said the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources conducting sovereignty patrols when they found seven of the Chinese ships on April 27.

The Sabina Shoal is located 130 nautical miles west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan and east of Ayungin Shoal.

"Upon their arrival, the Government vessels sighted seven Chinese maritime militia vessels which were in nested or in stationary linear formation at Sabina Shoal," Esperon said.

"The crew of BRP Cabra issued a series of challenges to the offending vessels, but elicited no response from the CMMs," he added.

After the  PCG vessel BRP Cabra "challenged" Chinese ships, the Chinese militia vessels dispersed.

On April 29, the BRP Cabra returned to Sabina Shoal and discovered five remaining Chinese militia ships, which later on left the region upon arrival of the Philippine vessel.

Esperon, likewise, said they strongly condemn Chinese Coast Guard's "blocking and dangerous maneuver" against PCG vessels last April 24 to April 25.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the shadowing, blocking, dangerous maneuvers and radio challenges conducted by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) against PCG vessels BRP Gabriela Silang and BRP Sindangan, during legitimate law enforcement patrols and maritime exercises while in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (BdM) on 24-25 April 2021, as a violation of our sovereignty," said Esperon.

"As part of our rotational patrol over BdM, PCG vessels BRP Sindangan and BFAR MCS 3005 are en route to the area to enforce our fisheries laws and protect our fishermen. On the other hand, BRP Malapascua is under way to the Municipality of Kalayaan," he added.

The Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest against China over its "belligerent" actions against the Philippine vessels conducting maritime drills at  Scarborough Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Chief Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. also used an expletive against China, asking the Asian nation's ships to leave the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

He later apologized to  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi over cursing at China.

China's fishing ban not applied to PH

Meanwhile, Esperon said Philippines would not be affected by the fishing restrictions in the South China Sea imposed by China from May 1 to August 16.

"This fishing ban does not apply to our fishermen and the NTF-WPS opposes China’s imposition of the same over the areas within the territory and jurisdiction of the Philippines. The NTF-WPS reiterates that our fisherfolk are encouraged to go out and fish in our waters in the WPS," said Esperon.

Philippines' maritime exercises will also continue to protect the country's territorial waters from illegal unreported fishing as well as enforce maritime security and safety, Esperon also noted.

"The BFAR is implementing its Integrated Maritime Environment Monitoring System (IMEMS) to counter IUUF, for monitoring of fishing vessels, and accounting of fishing catches and landings to ensure effective and efficient fisheries management,"  said Esperon.

"The Government maritime patrols will be joined by the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG) Regional Maritime Units which will be assigned to the Area Task Forces (ATF) West and North for involvement in seaborne operations," he also pointed out.

Aside from maritime patrols, Esperon said the ATF-West also regularly conducts joint seaborne patrol operations at Pag-asa Islands.

"These also include regular patrols to Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay), contrary to claims that the Philippines has 'lost' this feature which is part of our territory," he added. —NB, GMA News