The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) strongly condemns the intrusion of Chinese Maritime Militia Vessel 9622 and its 22 deployed sampans into the territorial sea of Kota Island on 09 October 2026.
The Chinese vessels engaged in unauthorized fishing and reportedly dumped waste at sea, with one sampan approaching as close as 250 meters from the island’s shoreline. When Philippine Coast Guard personnel, supported by the Philippine Marine Corps and the Philippine Navy, moved to address the intrusion, the Chinese mothership maneuvered around and encircled their boats, while its master brazenly claimed the area as Chinese territory and directed the Philippine team to leave.
Kota Island is an integral part of the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, and its territorial sea is under Philippine sovereignty. The Chinese vessels’ unauthorized fishing activities violate Philippine laws, including Republic Act No. 12064 (Philippine Maritime Zones Act) and Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code), as amended by RA No. 10654. China’s claim over the area has no basis under international law.
We commend the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Marine Corps, and the Philippine Navy for their firm, coordinated, and professional response, which resulted in the departure of all Chinese vessels from Kota Island’s territorial sea. This incident is particularly concerning because it involves the same Chinese maritime militia vessel that deployed 24 sampans near the island on 28 September 2026. Such repeated incursions underscore the need for sustained vigilance and a clear, consistent response to attempts to challenge Philippine sovereignty.
The NTF-WPS will continue to support the PCG and other concerned agencies in protecting Philippine territory and maritime rights. Repeated intrusions, coercive maneuvers, and baseless assertions of sovereignty will not be allowed to become normalized in Philippine waters. The Philippines will continue to respond firmly, lawfully, and resolutely to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests in the West Philippine Sea. ###
