Courtesy: Philippine Coast Guard
THE Philippine Coast Guard successfully removes hazardous floating barriers in compliance with presidential instruction.
In compliance with the instruction of the President, the Chairman, National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Sec. Eduardo Año, has directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to execute a special operation to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the Southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc (BDM).
The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory.
The 2016 Arbitral Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen.
Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates the international law. It also infringes on the Philippines’ sovereignty over BDM.
The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal. The PCG remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters.
Earlier, Año condemned the China Coast Guard for installing a “floating barrier” in Bajo de Masinloc, a disputed area of the South China Sea.
In a statement, Año said the barrier violates the traditional fishing rights of Filipino fishermen whose rights have been affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling rejecting Beijing’s expansive South China Sea claims.
“It ruled categorically that such action by the PRC (People’s Republic of a
China) violated the traditional fishing rights of our fishermen in the shoal who have been fishing there for centuries. Any State that prevents them from doing artisanal fishing there violates UNCLOS and international law, in general,” according to the former military chief.
“We will take all appropriate actions to cause the removal of the barriers and to protect the rights of our fishermen in the area,” he added.
Meanwhile, Año said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been informed of the developments in the West Philippine Sea, specifically in the areas surrounding Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal.
Courtesy: Jay Tarriela, PCG
