In response to reports of illegal swarming by Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) in Rozul Reef, the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed two PCG vessels and an aircraft yesterday to investigate the situation. Upon arrival at Rozul Reef, the PCG confirmed the presence of over 50 CMM vessels, both scattered and clustered together.
The PCG vessels and aircraft promptly challenged these vessels via radio, notifying them that they were operating within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 130 nautical miles off the coast of Palawan. The PCG emphasized that the irregular patterns of movement, along with their anchoring and swarming activities, violate the principles of freedom of navigation and infringe upon the sovereign rights of the Philippines in its EEZ.
The Chinese Maritime Militia vessels were directed to clarify their intentions, cease their swarming behaviors, and navigate in accordance with the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Award. Unfortunately, no response was received from the CMM vessels.
To ensure accurate documentation of the situation, the PCG deployed their RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats) to approach the CMM vessels in the shallow waters of Rozul Reef and record their bow numbers.
The Philippine Coast Guard remains committed to safeguarding the country’s maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. It continues to monitor and address any unauthorized activities within our Exclusive Economic Zone in accordance with the policy direction of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of not surrendering a square inch of our territory to any foreign power through resolute but non-escalatory actions based on international law.
