Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 28)— The Philippine government is looking into possible actions against China after the recent incident involving the nations’ vessels in Ayungin Shoal, as it once again pressed Beijing to respect its rights in the disputed waters.
“We are studying our options,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza told reporters on Friday when asked if the government will protest the near-collision of Philippine patrol vessel BRP Malapascua and a much larger Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship.
“We again call on China to respect the Philippines’ rights over the West Philippine Sea, and refrain from actions that may cause an untoward incident,” she added.
The episode — which took place in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal west of Palawan last April 23 — saw a Chinese vessel maneuvering closely to the Philippine ship, risking a “dangerous” crash, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
The CCG ship was also nearly thrice the size of the Philippine vessel, according to authorities.
Daza explained that Manila’s vessel was deployed in the waterway to carry out routine maritime patrols.
She stressed that the CCG’s interference with the patrol mission is “totally inconsistent with freedom of navigation.”
“A number of documented incidents also involved highly dangerous maneuvers that were contrary to standard navigational practices,” the DFA official said.
China hits back, communication mechanism used
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, as cited by international media, had a different version of the incident, saying it was caused by the “premeditated and provocative” action from the Philippine vessel.
The DFA pushed back, saying the Philippines will continue to ply the waters – a “legal right that we exercised and will continue to exercise.”
The agency also said that local authorities availed of the two countries’ communication mechanism and had earlier informed the Chinese side of its routine activity.
Gov’t told: Rethink policy, boost alliance with like-minded nations
Senators, meanwhile, have slammed the incident and urged the government to rethink the country’s policy towards China and strengthen alliance with nations that are against Beijing’s aggression.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros said that Manila should “seriously” look into reviewing its national policy towards Beijing, noting those policies must defend the rights and livelihood of Filipinos.
“Let us urgently work on building this bigger coalition of countries who are against China’s misbehavior, who uphold our victory at The Hague, and who want to preserve peace and stability in the region,” she added.
Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel also reiterated the need for countries which have claims in the South China Sea to come up with a code of conduct, and that all parties must start “behaving like civilized, respectful, and reasonable neighbors.”
RELATED: Nearly all claimants pursuing oil, gas projects in South China Sea — report
Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, for his part, said the Philippines cannot afford to “fire the first shot that would trigger a shooting war.”
“My advice to our Coast Guard is to maximize their escape and evasion tactics and remember always that patience is a virtue,” Dela Rosa added.
