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Philippine Coast Guard Confirms Severe Damage To Marine Environment In West Philippine Sea
Photo courtesy from PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, CG Commodore Jay Tarriela
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has expressed full support for and confirmation of the report released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM). This report exposed the extensive damage inflicted upon the marine environment and coral reefs in the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG's monitoring efforts between August 9, 2023, and September 11, 2023, revealed an alarming presence of approximately Thirty-three (33) Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels near Rozul Reef and Fifteen (15) CMM vessels in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal.
Maritime patrols conducted by PCG vessels BRP SINDANGAN (MRRV 4407) and BRP CABRA (MRRV 4409) during the same period further substantiated the presence of these CMM vessels in the West Philippine Sea features.
In response to the growing concern over the environmental impact, the PCG launched missions to conduct extensive underwater surveys of the seabed in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. Shockingly, the results of these surveys revealed a lifeless marine ecosystem, with minimal to no signs of life.
Moreover, the surveys conducted in Escoda Shoal unveiled visible discoloration of its seabed, strongly indicating that deliberate activities may have been undertaken to modify the natural topography of its underwater terrain. The presence of crushed corals strongly suggests a potential act of dumping, possibly involving the same dead corals that were previously processed and cleaned before being returned to the seabed.
The PCG has raised grave concerns that the continued swarming of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in these West Philippine Sea features.
CG Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized the paramount importance of protecting and preserving the marine environment. He highlighted the critical role it plays in sustaining marine life and supporting local communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods.
The PCG's monitoring efforts between August 9, 2023, and September 11, 2023, revealed an alarming presence of approximately Thirty-three (33) Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels near Rozul Reef and Fifteen (15) CMM vessels in the vicinity of Escoda Shoal.
Maritime patrols conducted by PCG vessels BRP SINDANGAN (MRRV 4407) and BRP CABRA (MRRV 4409) during the same period further substantiated the presence of these CMM vessels in the West Philippine Sea features.
In response to the growing concern over the environmental impact, the PCG launched missions to conduct extensive underwater surveys of the seabed in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal. Shockingly, the results of these surveys revealed a lifeless marine ecosystem, with minimal to no signs of life.
Moreover, the surveys conducted in Escoda Shoal unveiled visible discoloration of its seabed, strongly indicating that deliberate activities may have been undertaken to modify the natural topography of its underwater terrain. The presence of crushed corals strongly suggests a potential act of dumping, possibly involving the same dead corals that were previously processed and cleaned before being returned to the seabed.
The PCG has raised grave concerns that the continued swarming of Chinese Maritime Militia vessels in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in these West Philippine Sea features.
CG Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, emphasized the paramount importance of protecting and preserving the marine environment. He highlighted the critical role it plays in sustaining marine life and supporting local communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods.
Sep 19, 2023
