Protesters stage WPS rally outside Chinese Embassy

Different groups led by the Filipinos Do Not Yield movement rallied outside the Chinese Embassy in Makati City on Monday, National Heroes Day, demanding that China stay out of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The protesters raised banners and chanted messages asserting the Philippines’ claim over Ayungin Shoal, including “Ayungin Shoal is ours!” and “China, hands off our West Philippine Sea! Back off!”

They also called for the continued presence of the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

One of the protesters said they would continue advocating for the country’s interests in the WPS and urged Filipinos to support the government’s efforts to protect the country’s maritime interests, particularly Filipino fishermen.

The protester said Filipino fishermen have been struggling to make a living because of difficulties accessing their traditional fishing grounds due to China’s actions in the area.

She said some fishermen had incurred debts because of the situation.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila and will update this story once a response is received.

The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded at Ayungin Shoal since 1999 and serves as an outpost for Philippine troops in the disputed waters.

Ayungin Shoal is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands, a group of more than 100 islands and reefs in the South China Sea.

It is located about 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.

READ: EXPLAINER: What is the Ayungin Shoal and why is it important?

Tensions in the South China Sea continue as Beijing claims almost the entire body of water, a conduit for more than $3 trillion in annual shipborne commerce. The area includes waters also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

The Philippines refers to parts of the South China Sea within its maritime jurisdiction as the West Philippine Sea.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines in its case against China’s claims in the South China Sea, saying there was “no legal basis” for Beijing’s claim to historic rights over resources within the sea areas falling within the so-called nine-dash line.

China has refused to recognize the decision.— MCG, GMA News