HOUSE Prosecution Panel adviser and spokesman Ace Barbers today condemned the reported movements of a Chinese aircraft carrier strike group through southern Philippine waters, calling its alleged refusal to respond to radio challenges and the switching off of its Automatic Identification System (AIS) a disturbing display of arrogance and disrespect toward Philippine maritime authorities.
“This is not just a matter of Chinese warships passing through our waters. It is a matter of respect for the Philippines, our maritime authorities, and our sovereign rights. You cannot expect to be treated with courtesy when you deliberately ignore the authorities responsible for monitoring your movements,” Barbers said.
China, Barbers said, cannot use the doctrine of innocent passage as a blanket justification for military exercises, intelligence-gathering activities prejudicial to Philippine security, or threatening maneuvers within the country’s territorial sea.
“Such conduct may constitute non-innocent passage under Article 19 of UNCLOS and may warrant immediate Philippine diplomatic and operational action. Such conduct raises grave questions about respect for our sovereignty and compliance with international maritime laws,” he said.
The reported transit of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, accompanied by the escort warships Wuxi, Anshan and Huainan, through the Basilan Strait and toward the Celebes Sea raises serious questions about Beijing’s intentions.
According to the report, Philippine authorities monitored the formation, issued radio challenges, and deployed naval and Coast Guard vessels to track its movements. The reported failure of the Chinese ships to respond was particularly troubling.
“What makes this incident more alarming is the reported switching off of their AIS. When foreign warships operate without responding to legitimate communications from Philippine authorities, they create unnecessary uncertainty and undermine confidence. That is a direct challenge that crosses the line into disrespect. China must explain its actions instead of expecting the Filipino people to simply look the other way,” the former Surigao del Norte congressman and governor stressed.
Barbers said the Philippines must never allow the size or firepower of the Chinese fleet to intimidate its maritime personnel or weaken the country’s resolve to protect its national interests.
“Our Navy and Coast Guard are performing their duties. They deserve our full support, not the contempt of a foreign power that appears to believe its military strength entitles it to disregard our authorities,” he said.
He emphasized that the Philippines respects international law and recognizes that foreign vessels may enjoy applicable navigational rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
However, he stressed that such rights are not a license to intimidate, provoke, or show contempt for the authorities of another state. The precise legality of the reported transit must be assessed based on the vessels’ location, conduct, and the applicable rules of international law.
The solon from Mindanao also renewed his long-standing call for a stronger Philippine maritime security presence in Surigao del Norte, including the establishment of a Philippine Navy or Coast Guard facility and serious consideration of an appropriate site under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
“Kaya nga matagal na nating sinasabi na dapat magkaroon ng mas matatag na presensya ang ating Navy o Coast Guard sa Surigao del Norte, at pag-aralan din ang posibilidad ng EDCA site sa lugar. Hindi natin dapat hintaying lumala ang banta bago palakasin ang ating depensa at maritime surveillance. We need stronger monitoring capabilities, faster response times, and a more visible Philippine presence in our strategic waters,” Barbers said.
He urged the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, Department of National Defense and Department of Foreign Affairs to strengthen coordination, preserve radar and radio records, document foreign vessel movements, and pursue appropriate diplomatic action when warranted by verified facts and applicable law.
“China must understand one fundamental truth: the Philippines is not a doormat, and our silence must never be mistaken for weakness. We will not be intimidated by aircraft carriers, escort warships, or calculated displays of military power. If Beijing expects respect for its own interests, it must also respect the Philippines, our institutions, and the men and women entrusted with protecting our maritime domain,” Barbers declared.
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