00:00China Coast Guard's ships, speedboats, and rubber boats surrounded BRP Teresa Magbanua ng Pilipinas at Escoda Shoal.
00:10PCG's concern is that the resupply mission will be difficult if the situation is like that.
00:16Chino Gaston was in touch with us.
00:21Just a few hours have passed since China Coast Guard bombed BRP Bagacay and Cape Engaño at Escoda Shoal yesterday.
00:29Chinese militia vessels, China Coast Guard, and small speedboats and rubber boats surrounded BRP Teresa Magbanua.
00:36As part of the Philippine Coast Guard, five rubber boats and three speedboats are circling and guarding the area.
00:44Not far away, the CGV 5202 and 4303 of the China Coast Guard can be seen anchored, as well as Chinese militia vessels.
00:54According to PCG, the small rubber boats and speedboats of China are the same as the Philippine Navy's rubber boats
01:03in the resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre on June 17 in Ayungin Shoal.
01:07They are so afraid with their own narrative that we are going to reinforce our presence in Escoda Shoal
01:16and deploy additional vessels here to accompany Teresa Magbanua.
01:20Since May, BRP Magbanua has repeatedly complained and asked China to leave Escoda Shoal,
01:26which is guarding the area. China's claim is very strong.
01:30And because the supply of PCG vessels is limited, it needs to supply water and food.
01:36But resupplying will be difficult if it is already blocked by Chinese vessels.
01:41As far as our enforcement is concerned, all of this is in accordance with UNCLOS and of course, the 2016 Arbitral Award.
01:49But won't it be difficult for us to supply this if it is surrounded by Chinese vessels?
01:53Well, that may be a challenge, but that is something that we are strategically considering.
01:58For maritime law expert Professor Jay Batumbacal,
02:02it is clear that China is interfering in the legitimate maritime activities of another sovereign state
02:17in its own exclusive economic zone.
02:19It is directly contrary to the principles of the United Nations,
02:26especially against the threat and use of force.
02:29And it is also a act of coercion.
02:32Batumbacal added that China's aggressive tactics are clear in the statement that it is looking for a cheap solution to the problem in the West Philippine Sea.
02:42For GMA Integrated News, Chino Gaston, Akatutok, 24 Hours.
Comments