Jay Tarriela
@jaytaryela • 32,924 subscribers
Philippine Coast Guard Spokesperson on West Philippine Sea Concerns
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PCG CHALLENGES THE ILLEGAL PRESENCE OF CCG-4305 WITHIN THE PHILIPPINES’ EEZ OFF THE COAST OF ZAMBALES The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), utilizing Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection (DVD) Program, has tracked the unauthorized presence of China Coast Guard vessel CCG-4305 drifting within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 48 nautical miles west of the coastline of Pandaquit, Zambales. Upon confirmation of its illegal presence, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan immediately ordered the deployment of both aerial and surface assets to challenge and drive away the Chinese vessel from Philippine maritime jurisdiction. This morning, the PCG Piper Navajo 302 took off from La Union Airport to conduct a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over the area where the CCG vessel was detected. At approximately 8:40 AM, the PCG aircraft visually confirmed CCG-4305 lying-to within the Philippine EEZ, at a distance of 50.1 nautical miles west of Pandaquit, Zambales. The PCG aircrew issued numerous radio challenges, which the Chinese vessel refused to acknowledge. The PCG Piper Navajo 302 also conducted multiple passes to document the unlawful incursion before returning to the airport. At sea, BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) proceeded to the confirmed location of the CCG vessel and conducted firm radio challenges to CCG-4305 throughout the day. Although the Chinese vessel briefly acknowledged the initial challenge in the morning, it subsequently went silent and refused to respond to subsequent challenges. Notably, CCG-4305 provided no lawful basis for its presence within the Philippines’ EEZ. In compliance with the President’s directive, the PCG will never allow the normalization of illegal patrols by the China Coast Guard off the coast of Zambales. These activities constitute a direct violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan expressed his firm commitment: “The PCG remains resolute in defending the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction through sustained MDA flights, vessel deployments, and lawful enforcement operations across the West Philippine Sea.”
Jay Tarriela538,895 Aufrufe • vor 21 Tagen
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Here is a longer video capturing the collision between the PLA Navy 164 and the China Coast Guard 3104. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has consistently urged the Chinese government to respect the COLREGS and to approach these matters with professionalism, especially considering their role in enforcing maritime laws. We have also emphasized that such reckless behavior at sea could ultimately lead to accidents. Our thoughts are with the CCG personnel who may have been injured in this incident. 🙏🏻
Jay Tarriela2,652,986 Aufrufe • vor 10 Monaten
This is how barbaric the Chinese Coast Guard is in the recent RoRe mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. These videos show how blatantly they use physical attacks and violence to prevent our soldiers from completing the legitimate and humanitarian resupply mission to our troops on board BRP Sierra Madre. These provocative, unprofessional, and inhumane actions of China, if left unchecked, will not just be a loss for our fight in the West Philippine Sea. They serve as a clear indication that humanity has once again allowed barbarism to trample upon compassion, and that what is right is only defined by might. 📹 Armed Forces of the Philippines
Jay Tarriela3,495,454 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
This shows the massive scale of the illegal reclamation by the Chinese government on Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef), located well within our Exclusive Economic Zone. Whenever our aircraft pass through the area during Maritime Domain Awareness flights, China has the audacity to challenge us claiming that they have “indisputable sovereignty” in this area—and in some instances, like the one shown here, they have even launched flares toward our aircraft. It is worth noting that China first illegally occupied Panganiban Reef, initially claiming they were only building a shelter for fishermen. Today, it stands as one of the largest Chinese military installations in the entire South China Sea. We should not forget that the reef lies only about 120 nautical miles from the coastline of Palawan, yet more than 600 nautical miles away from China.
Jay Tarriela271,622 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten
PCG AND BFAR DEPLOY VESSELS TO PROTECT FILIPINO FISHERMEN FROM CHINESE HARASSMENT IN BAJO DE MASINLOC In response to continued harassment by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against more than 20 Filipino fishing boats last weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) immediately deployed two PCG vessels and five fishery patrol vessels to Bajo de Masinloc. The joint PCG-BFAR deployment ensured the safety and security of the Filipino fishermen while delivering vital support, including fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to extend their fishing operations and help offset rising fuel costs. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also directed the deployment of the PCG Caravan for a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over the area. The flight documented six China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) warship in the vicinity. This operation marks a significant first: the PCG has documented the China Coast Guard vessel announcing via live radio broadcast its intention to conduct a clearing operation at the following coordinates: - Point A: 15°05'N, 118°10'E - Point B: 15°05'N, 118°25'E - Point C: 14°14'N, 118°25'E - Point D: 14°14'N, 118°10'E The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to defend Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. In line with the President’s vision, the PCG will continue to uphold international law and protect the rights, safety, and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen from external threats and harassment.
Jay Tarriela230,338 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL TASK FORCE FOR THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA 9 December 2023 Manila, Philippines The National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTFWPS) vehemently condemns the illegal and aggressive actions carried out by the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia against the civilian Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels Datu Sanday, Datu Bankaw, and Datu Tamblot today during a regular BFAR humanitarian and support mission of providing oil subsidy and grocery packs to over 30 Filipino fishing vessels near Bajo De Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. As of this reporting the mission is on-going. Based on the reports received, as the BFAR vessels approached 1.4 to 1.9 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, the Chinese Coast Guard ships utilized water cannons to obstruct and prevent BFAR vessels from approaching the Filipino fishing vessels eagerly awaiting the oil subsidy and grocery packs. The water cannons had been used at least eight (8) times at the time of reporting. Additionally, the Chinese Maritime Militia vessels are reported to have engaged in dangerous maneuvers and deployed what is understood to be a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) against the BFAR vessels - causing severe temporary discomfort and incapacitation to some Filipino crew. Water cannon action have resulted in significant damage to BFAR vessel Datu Tamblot's communication and navigation equipment, as it was directly and deliberately targeted by the China Coast Guard. The Task Force likewise denounces the deployment of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to disperse and drive away Filipino fishing vessels eagerly awaiting the distribution of fuel subsidies and food supplies from the BFAR ships. To prevent the distribution of humanitarian support is not only illegal but also inhumane. Moreover, Filipino fishermen have reported and documented the Chinese Coast Guard launching a small boat early this morning to illegally install a floating barrier at the southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc. The actions of Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia hindered the BFAR vessel from accessing the entrance of the shoal. We stress that Bajo de Masinloc is a high-tide feature with territorial sea, per the 2016 Arbitral Award. It forms an integral part of the Philippine national territory under the Constitution. The Philippines exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over the shoal and its territorial sea. The 2016 Arbitral Award has also clarified that Filipinos have traditional fishing rights in the water of Bajo de Masinloc protected by international law. China's illegal exercise of maritime law enforcement powers, interference with Philippine vessels, harassment and intimidation of Filipino fisherfolk, or any other activity that infringes upon the Philippines' sovereignty and jurisdiction in Bajo de Masinloc are violations of international law, particularly UNCLOS and the Arbitral Award. We firmly insist that these Chinese vessels leave Bajo de Masinloc immediately. We demand that the Chinese government take immediate action to halt these aggressive activities and uphold the principles of international law and desist from actions that would infringe on Philippine Sovereignty and endanger the lives and livelihood of Filipino fishermen who have traditionally fished in the area. The NTF-WPS remains committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
Jay Tarriela1,298,909 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
Senator Robin Padilla's statement that confrontation with China yields no benefits for the Philippines and that continued contestation over the WPS is futile. Such position undermines the plight of Filipino fishermen who, just weeks ago, were injured and had their boats damaged by China Cost Guard water cannons near Escoda Shoal—incidents that highlight ongoing aggression despite diplomatic efforts. This statement is also a profound disservice to the PCG personnel who are courageously and selflessly patrolling the West Philippine Sea and who are constantly subjected to China’s bullying and dangerous actions. Our presence in these waters is not the cause of escalating tensions. We are there to prevent China from normalizing its illegal presence in the WPS while, at the same time, providing safety and security to our ordinary fishermen. As part of the senate, Sen. Padilla should recognize that the Philippines has never initiated or escalated tensions in the WPS. Instead, we have consistently been on the receiving end of China's barbaric, illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions, which violate the 2016 Arbitral Award and international law. While Sen. Padilla emphasizes for diplomatic dialogue, he perhaps forgot that the current administration under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has actively pursued diplomacy. President Marcos has repeatedly emphasized maintaining open communication channels with Beijing while asserting that the WPS issue does not define the entirety of Philippines-China relations. As a matter of fact, bilateral trade remains robust: China is the Philippines' top import partner and a major export destination, with trade volumes reaching billions annually despite WPS issue. On Sen. Padilla’s discussion of territorial sea and exclusive economic zones, the Philippine government broadly understands the distinction under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is only China that refuses to accept the invalidity of its "nine-dash line," as ruled by the 2016 Arbitral Award. Sen. Padilla's vision—that Filipino fishermen fish freely in the WPS, that Philippine Coast Guard vessels no longer subjected to water cannon by the China Coast Guard, and that resources like oil and gas at Recto Bank be extracted—can only materialize if China ceases its aggression. Suggesting that the Philippines should halt its defense of rights reveals a misunderstanding: we are not "fighting" in an offensive sense but steadfastly upholding sovereign rights against bullying. It is our fishermen who truly "fight" daily—not with arms, but by pursuing their livelihood in the WPS which is now endangered daily by China’s maritime forces. The good senator must remember: standing firm is not provocation; it is patriotism and it is our obligation for the next generation of Filipinos. By the way, Vietnam is not a founding member of ASEAN; it only joined in 1995.
Jay Tarriela231,316 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
Mayor Baste Duterte's recent statements misrepresent the Philippines' balanced approach to China and the root causes of tensions in the West Philippine Sea. His two key claims—that using Chinese products implies support for economic cooperation over military confrontation, and that tensions in the WPS stem solely from U.S.-China great power competition—reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of our national interests. Mayor Duterte's suggestion that everyday Filipinos using Chinese-made goods (such as clothing or electronics) should somehow accept economic cooperation as a substitute for confronting China's aggression in the WPS is a false equivalence. Our bilateral engagement with the PRC is multifaceted: it includes robust economic partnerships in trade, investment, and infrastructure, which we actively pursue and have not abandoned. However, these ties do not—and must not—compromise our territorial integrity or the rights enshrined in the 2016 Arbitral Award and UNCLOS. Standing firm against China's illegal claims and aggressive actions in the WPS is not an "either-or" choice between commerce and confrontation. It is a non-negotiable assertion of Philippine agency as an independent sovereign nation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration has demonstrated this balance: we continue to trade with China while enhancing our defensive posture. His attribution of WPS conflicts to "great power competition" between the U.S. and China oversimplifies the issue and absolves the aggressor. While superpower dynamics play a role in the broader Indo-Pacific, the immediate flashpoints in the WPS—such as the blocking of Philippine resupply missions in previous years or the harassment of Filipino fishing vessels—are direct results of China's excessive maritime claims and aggressive tactics. These actions have victimized ordinary Filipino fishermen, denying them access to traditional fishing grounds within our exclusive economic zone, long before any escalation in U.S. involvement. This is not a proxy war orchestrated by Washington; it is a violation of international law by Beijing. Filipino fisherfolk from Pangasinan, Mindoro, Palawan, and Zambales have faced water cannons, laser blinding lights, and vessel ramming—not because of American warships, but because of China's monstrous coast guard vessels and maritime militia enforcing fictitious sovereignty. Our response under President Marcos reflects national resolve, not external puppeteering; it includes diplomatic protests, multilateral advocacy, and bolstering our own capabilities through the AFP and PCG. Mayor Duterte’s narrative conveniently ignores the track record of his father's administration. Despite President Rodrigo Duterte's overt courtship of the PRC—including downplaying the arbitral victory and pivoting toward Beijing—Chinese bullying persisted unabated. Fishermen were still driven away, AFP rotations to BRP Sierra Madre were obstructed, and PCG vessels faced collisions and intimidation. Billions in promised Chinese investments to support his ambitious “Build, Build, Build” project did not materialize, while core WPS grievances remained unresolved. This history underscores that concessions do not yield peace; they invite further encroachments. If there is one thing that Mayor Duterte said correctly, it is that before opening our mouths, we should ensure that our statements are anchored in truth and facts, rather than mere insinuations that promote a pro-China narrative.
Jay Tarriela309,294 Aufrufe • vor 7 Monaten
I have always wondered why we Filipinos rally so passionately around our victories in beauty pageants and international sports—cheering as one nation, claiming every crown or medal as a shared triumph that fills us with collective pride. Yet when it comes to the issue of the West Philippine Sea, a vital part of our maritime jurisdiction and livelihood, some of our own countrymen feel detached, insisting it’s distant from their lives or unrelated to what we are truly fighting for. This contrast is striking: we unite effortlessly for moments of glory and celebration, but struggle to muster the same shared ownership when defending something foundational to our nation's rights, resources, and future. 🇵🇭
Jay Tarriela137,650 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
Before China can mislead the international community by claiming that the Philippines is provoking them and escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, it's important to highlight some key facts. First, China occupied Panganiban Reef in 1995, claiming it would serve only as a fishermen's shelter, even though it is situated within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone. Nearly two decades later, they transformed this shelter into a heavily fortified military base, complete with defense capabilities, a naval base, and an airfield. Secondly, they reclaimed Zamora Reef, which was initially a submerged feature, and developed it into a significant artificial island equipped with a 3,000-meter runway and military infrastructure. This island is positioned near the edge of the Philippines' EEZ, and its proximity to Pag-asa Island, which is occupied by the Philippines, places it within the 12 nautical miles territorial sea generated by Pag-asa Island's maritime entitlements. So, the question arises: who is truly escalating the tension in the West Philippine Sea? We must also consider their ongoing deployment of maritime forces in the area, their aggressive harassment of ordinary fishermen, and their bullying tactics against smaller Philippine Coast Guard vessels.
Jay Tarriela361,624 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
The Philippine Coast Guard swiftly intervened Monday to protect a Filipino fishing vessel harassed by Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea, providing critical assistance and documenting the encounter. The incident occurred around noon on January 12, 2026, as the fishing boat FFB Prince LJ headed toward its fishing grounds west of Bajo de Masinloc. A People's Liberation Army Navy vessel (PLAN 621) and a China Coast Guard ship (CCGV 23521) closed to within 30 meters, blaring sirens and blocking the boat's path about 16 nautical miles southeast of the shoal. The fishing boat's captain changed course to the southeast to evade the vessels but reported being closely trailed by the China Coast Guard ship. PCG multirole response vessel, BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), responded promptly, rendezvousing with FFB Prince LJ around 3:48 p.m. The fishing boat's captain boarded the PCG vessel shortly after 3:59 p.m., where he received medical attention and gave a full account of the aggressive maneuvers. PCG personnel captured photographs and video evidence of the Chinese vessels' dangerous actions. In a further act of support, the Coast Guard transferred 10 containers of diesel to the fishing boat, enabling it to proceed with its operations. The captain returned to his vessel by 5:02 p.m., and FFB Prince LJ resumed course toward its intended fishing area. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reaffirmed the agency's firm commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen and upholding their rights in Philippine waters. "The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in defending the safety and maritime rights of our fishermen, in full accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award," Admiral Gavan stated.
Jay Tarriela120,554 Aufrufe • vor 4 Monaten
This morning, Philippine Coast Guard vessels, BRP CABRA and BRP SINDANGAN, were deployed by the Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, to support the Rotation and Reprovisioning Operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Throughout the operation, the PCG vessels faced dangerous maneuvers and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Chinese Maritime Militia. Their reckless and illegal actions led to a collision between MRRV-4407 and China Coast Guard 21555 that resulted to minor structural damage to the PCG vessel. The mission is still ongoing. Updates to follow.
Jay Tarriela477,780 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
Yesterday, the Philippine Coast Guard vessel, MRRV-4407, successfully rescued a Filipino fishing boat after its engine exploded during a fishing expedition in Bajo De Masinloc. However, during the rescue operation, the Chinese Coast Guard deployed two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) not to assist the PCG, but to obstruct and hinder their efforts in rescuing the two injured Filipino fishermen, who suffered second-degree burns. Despite the interference from the Chinese Coast Guard, the PCG, in close coordination with the Filipino fishermen, managed to outmaneuver the RHIBs and successfully transfer the injured fishermen for immediate first aid. The PCG vessel, along with the towed Filipino fishing boat, is expected to arrive tomorrow morning.
Jay Tarriela409,280 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr
Kung ikaw ay Pilipino at hanggang ngayon di mo pa rin nauunawaan kung ano ang kahalagahan ng pinaglalaban natin sa West Philippine Sea, panoorin mo ang video na ito kasama ng iyong pamilya at sabihin mo sa akin kung hindi ninyo naramdaman ang galit para ating tindigan ang mga ordinaryong mangingisdang Pilipino at yaman ng ating karagatan laban sa illegal na presensya ng China sa WPS!
Jay Tarriela122,248 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten
PCG and BFAR Stand Firm Against Chinese Bullying and Aggressive Actions in Pag-asa The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have reaffirmed their strong commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen in the Kalayaan Island Group, vowing to remain undeterred despite aggressive harassment and direct threats from Chinese vessels in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island. This morning, while three BFAR vessels, including the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, were safely anchored in the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island to provide protection for Filipino fishermen as part of the “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” (KBBM), they faced dangerous and provocative maneuvers from the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels. Around 8:15 a.m., the Chinese maritime forces approached dangerously close, activating their water cannons as a clear threat against the BFAR vessels. The situation escalated at approximately 9:15 a.m. when CCG vessel with bow number 21559 fired its water cannon directly at the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, hitting the vessel. Just three minutes later, at 9:18 a.m., the same CCG vessel deliberately rammed the stern of the BRP Datu Pagbuaya, causing minor structural damage but no injuries to the crew. Despite these bullying tactics and aggressive actions, the PCG and BFAR remain resolute. We will not be intimidated or driven away, as our presence in the Kalayaan Island Group is crucial for protecting the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan echoed this determination, stating, "The harassment we faced today only strengthens our resolve. Filipino fisherfolk depend on these waters, and neither water cannons nor ramming will deter us from fulfilling our commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos to not surrender a square inch of our territory to any foreign power."
Jay Tarriela158,581 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten
The Philippine Coast Guard expresses strong condemnation towards the unlawful behavior exhibited by the China Coast Guard vessels (CCG 4203 and CCG 5305) for their unwarranted use of water cannons against the MRRV-4409. Additionally, we call on the CCG to adhere to the COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea) to prevent any potential collisions, as they are also a signatory to this important convention.
Jay Tarriela542,789 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
Philippine Coast Guard Successfully Removes Hazardous Floating Barrier in Compliance with Presidential Instruction In compliance with the instruction of the President, the Chairman, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Sec. Eduardo Año, has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to execute a special operation to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the Southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM). The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory. The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law. It also infringes on the Philippines' sovereignty over BDM. The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal. The PCG remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters.
Jay Tarriela449,110 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
Statement of the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea December 10, 2023, Manila, Philippines Today, 10 December 2023, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels harassed, blocked, and executed dangerous maneuvers on Philippine civilian supply vessels, in another attempt to illegally impede or obstruct a routine resupply and rotation mission (RORE) to BRP SIERRA MADRE (LS 57) at Avungin Shoal. CCG vessel 5204 deployed a water cannon against the Philippine supply vessels causing severe damage to M/L Kalavaan's engines, disabling the vessel and seriously endangering the lives of its crew. Currently, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) is safely towing M/ Kalavaan back to Ulugan Bay, Palawan. Additionally, BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) suffered damage to its mast after being directly targeted by the full strength of the water cannon of the China Coast Guard. The PCG vessels and the resupply boats Unaizah Mae 1 (UM1) and M/L Kalayaan were subjected to reckless and dangerous harassment at close range by CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels on their approach to Avungin Shoal. Contrary to China Coast Guard disinformation, UM1 was rammed by CCG 21556. Despite these extreme and reckless actions, UM1 successfully reached BRP Sierra Madre, and resupply is ongoing as of this writing. The Task Force reiterates that Avungin Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippine's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, in accordance with UNCLOS and as upheld by the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Philippines exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the feature. As a low tide elevation, Avungin Shoal can neither be the subject of a sovereignty claim nor is it capable of appropriation under international law. China cannot lawfully exercise sovereignty over it. In this regard, the assertion of China that its actions in the vicinity of Avungin Shoal are a legitimate exercise of law enforcement measures, has no basis in international law. Further, we express grave concern over the deliberate disinformation conducted through official channels, that distort facts on the ground. We condemn, once again, China's latest unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine rotation and resupply mission to Avungin Shoal that has put the lives of our people at risk. The systematic and consistent manner in which the People's Republic of China carries out these illegal and irresponsible actions puts into question and significant doubt the sincerity of its calls for peaceful dialogue. Peace and stability cannot be achieved without due regard for the legitimate, well-established, and legally settled rights of others. We demand that China demonstrate that it is a responsible and trustworthy member of the international community. The Philippines continues to act in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Philippines will not be deterred from exercising our legal rights over our maritime zones, including Akungin Shoal which forms part of our EEZ and continental shelf.
Jay Tarriela417,364 Aufrufe • vor 2 Jahren
This is yet another attempt by the People’s Republic of China to undermine the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. China’s claim that the award is invalid because it did not participate in the proceedings is baseless under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to which China is a party. The arbitral tribunal, constituted under Annex VII of UNCLOS, directly addressed this argument in its 2015 jurisdictional ruling and 2016 merits award, emphasizing robust procedural safeguards to ensure fairness. Under Article 286 of UNCLOS, states parties are obliged to settle disputes through peaceful means, including binding arbitration under Part XV. By ratifying UNCLOS in 1996, China accepted these compulsory procedures. Article 287 permits states to choose a forum, but in the absence of such a choice, arbitration under Annex VII applies—a basis invoked by the Philippines in its 2013 notification. The tribunal confirmed jurisdiction over the Philippines’ submissions, clarifying that China’s objections did not bar it from ruling on maritime entitlements under UNCLOS. UNCLOS provides that non-appearance does not halt proceedings. Instead, it imposes a “special responsibility” on the tribunal to ensure claims are well founded in fact and law. The tribunal discharged this duty by: -Continuously notifying China of developments and sharing transcripts of hearings; -Repeatedly inviting China to participate or submit evidence; -Treating China’s 2014 Position Paper as a formal jurisdictional submission; and -Examining extensive documentary evidence, expert reports, and historical records. The tribunal concluded that China’s absence did not prevent proceedings from going forward, consistent with broader principles of international law, including Article 53 of the ICJ Statute. Article 296 of UNCLOS makes clear that arbitral awards are “final and binding” on the parties concerned. The award binds China and the Philippines and carefully avoided adjudicating sovereignty disputes or third-party rights. China’s policy of “four no’s”—no acceptance, participation, recognition, or implementation—does not alter these legal realities. International law is clear: non-participation is not a veto. Precedent, including the 1999 Southern Bluefin Tuna arbitration, confirms that tribunals proceed even when a party refuses to appear. For China, the path forward lies not in rejecting a treaty it helped shape, but in RECOMMITTING TO UNCLOS. China was a leader during UNCLOS negotiation. China should lead in preserving it for world peace and stability, not in undermining it for selfish and illegal claims.
Jay Tarriela130,908 Aufrufe • vor 8 Monaten
Despite the United States being the Philippines' oldest treaty ally, it never interfered in the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. The US calling out the People's Republic of China's barbaric, illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions in the West Philippine Sea is a principled move. Every law abiding nation is expected to stand for what is right and lawful. It strains logic to suggest that ordinary Filipino fishermen on wooden boats are somehow "organized and orchestrated" and can be provocative vis-a-vis the massive, armed and steel-hulled China Coast Guard vessels. Common sense alone debunks this narrative: how could unarmed fishermen realistically threaten or provoke such heavily equipped forces? Moreover, claims that Filipino fishermen were carrying knives are contradicted by evidence showing CCG vessels firing water cannons at close range, injuring three fishermen, damaging boats, and deliberately cutting the anchor lines of Philippine fishing vessels—endangering lives and livelihoods. The international community is well aware of these facts and will not be misled by propaganda portraying the Philippines as the aggressor. On China's assertion of "indisputable sovereignty" over Escoda Shoal, one must question the accuracy of Beijing's nautical charts: the feature is a low-tide elevation that is well within the Philippines' EEZ, approximately 75-95 nautical miles from Palawan. It is over 600 nautical miles—or up to 1,200 km—from China's nearest landmass. If China refuses to recognize the 2016 Arbitral Award invalidating its expansive claims, it should at least honor its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea—a treaty it has ratified—that says LTE’s are not subject to territorial sovereignty. By the way, here is your Chinese Maritime Militia pretending to be a civilian fishing vessel also using water cannon against a Filipino wooden fishing boat as they escape the China Coast Guard vessels dangerous harassment last weekend. Finally, thank you for admitting committing illegal actions branding it as “necessary control measures.” ✌🏻
Jay Tarriela94,203 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten