Duterte: Philippine patrols to continue in West Philippine Sea

The Philippines will continue to send patrols in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday.

In a statement read by presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Duterte said the patrols were a manifestation of the country’s principled position and stand on the West Philippine Sea.

“I have said it before and I will say it again, our agencies have been directed to do what they must and should to protect and defend our nation’s interest," Duterte said.

"Our vessels will continue to patrol relevant areas to firmly assert what is ours,” he added.

Duterte made the remarks amid the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea and China's recent call on the country to stop its maritime drills in the area.

“The Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will be where they need to be. We will not waver in our position," Duterte said.

"Ang Pilipino ay may prinsipyo at mayroong paninindigan lalo na para sa Inang Bayan,” he added.

(A Filipino stands on principles, especially if it is for the country.)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry in late April called on the Philippine security forces to stop maritime exercises in the South China Sea, saying it would "escalate disputes" in the area.

In a regular press conference on April 26, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reiterated China's claims over Nansha Islands or Spratly Islands despite the 2016 UN Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that said the islands were within Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ). 

China did not recognize the arbitral court ruling.

Sunken boat, incursions by China

Back in June 2019, a Chinese vessel rammed and sank a Philippine fishing boat in Reed Bank which is within the Philippines’ EEZ as ruled upon by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration in July 2016.  

The National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea reported on May 12 that 287 Chinese vessels had been deployed in various features of Kalayaan municipality in Palawan which is within the Philippines’ EEZ. 

Duterte earlier drew flak for calling the Hague ruling as a scrap of paper which he would throw in the trash bin.

He has since said the Philippines would never pull out its deployed vessels off its Philippines’ EEZ in West Philippine Sea, adding the country's forces would "not move an inch.”

Duterte assured the public on Tuesday that the Philippines would never engage in violence and that it had fully utilized the bilateral consultation mechanisms and other diplomatic venues to engage China.

“We must be willing to do what we can as responsible members of the international community to resolve disputes peacefully.  Diplomacy therefore, will play an ever important part,” Duterte said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Duterte said, would be at the forefront in advancing the Philippines’ interest by harnessing time honored principles of international law.

“All stakeholders have professed fealty to these fundamental principles. It’s time for all of us to walk our talk,” Duterte said. —Llanesca T. Panti/NB, GMA News