MANILA/BEIJING. The Philippines vowed on Monday to step up surveillance of reefs, shoals, and islets in its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, amidst denials from China over accusations of constructing an artificial island in the contested waters.
The Philippine Coast Guard revealed on Saturday the deployment of a vessel to Sabina Shoal in the Spratly archipelago, where it alleged China was engaged in constructing an artificial island. The Coast Guard documented what it claimed were piles of dead and crushed coral on the sandbars, sparking concerns over environmental damage.
Jonathan Malaya, spokesperson of the National Security Council (NSC), conveyed NSC chief Eduardo Año’s directive for heightened surveillance within Manila’s 200-nautical mile economic zone, amid escalating tensions with Beijing. “No one will guard (these locations) except us. It is our responsibility under international law to guard (them) and ensure that the environment there would not be damaged and that there won’t be reclamation activities,” Malaya emphasized during a televised interview.
China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, which overlap with territories claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, have led to extensive land reclamation efforts, raising concerns among neighboring countries and Washington.
In response to Manila’s accusations, China’s foreign ministry labeled them as “groundless and pure rumor” during a regular briefing on Monday. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin urged Manila to resolve maritime disputes through negotiation and consultation, dismissing the allegations as attempts to mislead the international community.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela asserted that their presence at Sabina Shoal had deterred China from undertaking further reclamation activities. However, he highlighted the need for scientific evaluation to determine whether the observed coral formations were natural or man-made. The Coast Guard remains committed to maintaining a presence at the shoal, situated just over 120 nautical miles from Palawan province.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling invalidated Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea, a pivotal waterway, a decision rejected by China. Sabina Shoal serves as a crucial rendezvous point for vessels resupplying Philippine troops stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal, where frequent encounters between Manila and Beijing have occurred.
Considering recent tensions, Año has called for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral regarding the maritime dispute. The Philippine foreign ministry announced on Monday its intention to investigate reports of “illegal and unlawful activities” by diplomatic officials without specifically naming China.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
