NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PH Asserts Right To Patrol Bajo de Masinloc
File Photo
The Philippines reaffirmed its right under international law to patrol the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc, an integral part of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The statement was made by Eduardo M. Año, Secretary of National Security Adviser, following a routine patrol operation by the Philippine Navy's PS39 in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.
The operation, which occurred without incident, was shadowed by Chinese vessels.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines maintains its right to patrol the entirety of the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc, which falls within its EEZ. Despite this, China continues to assert its claims over the area, leading to escalating tensions between the two nations.
The Philippines rebuked China's exaggerated response to the incident, emphasizing that Bajo de Masinloc is an inherent part of the Philippine archipelago and falls well within the country's sovereign rights.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stated that they remain ‘resolute’ in their commitment to defending the nation's territory and maritime boundaries.
Año urged China to act responsibly, respect UNCLOS, and adhere to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which invalidated China's historical claims in the South China Sea. He stressed the importance of promoting a rules-based international order and called on China to cease its aggressive and illegal activities in Philippine waters.
The statement was made by Eduardo M. Año, Secretary of National Security Adviser, following a routine patrol operation by the Philippine Navy's PS39 in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.
The operation, which occurred without incident, was shadowed by Chinese vessels.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines maintains its right to patrol the entirety of the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc, which falls within its EEZ. Despite this, China continues to assert its claims over the area, leading to escalating tensions between the two nations.
The Philippines rebuked China's exaggerated response to the incident, emphasizing that Bajo de Masinloc is an inherent part of the Philippine archipelago and falls well within the country's sovereign rights.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stated that they remain ‘resolute’ in their commitment to defending the nation's territory and maritime boundaries.
Año urged China to act responsibly, respect UNCLOS, and adhere to the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which invalidated China's historical claims in the South China Sea. He stressed the importance of promoting a rules-based international order and called on China to cease its aggressive and illegal activities in Philippine waters.
Oct 31, 2023
