Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 9) — Maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal warned Pag-asa Island could be the next target of China if it succeeds in taking over Ayungin Shoal.
Batongbacal made the statement during a forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Wednesday, Aug. 9.
The maritime expert was asked on future scenarios should the BRP Sierra Madre eventually collapse because of its deteriorating condition. The ship was deliberately run aground in 1999 to establish a permanent presence in the area.
“If for any reason the BRP Sierra Madre collapses, it’s likely people will be injured given the state of the ship. China will use it as an excuse to rescue our people in Ayungin Shoal and will not allow us to come back in,” said Batongbacal.
“Considering the concentration of vessels around Pag-asa Island then it’s quite possible that it could be the next target,” he added.
For the National Security Council, the government will do anything to maintain the World War II-era ship.
“We are committed to the maintenance of BRP Sierra Madre and we will provide the supply the needs of our troops there so that they can continue to man that station,” NSC Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said.
“It is a symbol of our sovereignty on a shoal that is located within our EEZ [Exclusive Economic Zone] and part of the Philippine continental shelf which was affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling,” he added.
Malaya said losing Ayungin Shoal will be detrimental for the country. He also denied the United States is behind the actions of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.
“If we allow them to take over Ayungin Shoal it practically places China at a great advantage and the Philippines a greater disadvantage,” he added.
