NTF-WPS to Beijing: Remove your vessels

The National Task Force for West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) yesterday demanded that China remove its vessels from Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) where they had interrupted a humanitarian mission of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for Filipino fishermen.

- JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

"We firmly insist that these Chinese vessels leave Bajo de Masinloc immediately," the NTF-WPS said, as it condemned attempts by the Chinese coast guard and militia to stop - using water cannons - the BFAR from distributing grocery packs and oil subsidy to over 30 fisherfolk near Bajo de Masinloc early yesterday.

"We demand that the Chinese government take immediate action to halt these aggressive activities and uphold the principles of international law and desist from actions that would infringe on Philippine sovereignty and endanger the lives and livelihood of Filipino fishermen who have traditionally fished in the area," the NTF-WPS said.

The water cannon blast "left significant damage" to the communications and navigation equipment of BFAR vessel Datu Tamblot.

The two other BFAR vessels involved in the incident were Datu Sanday and Datu Bankaw.

The mission continued as of press time despite Chinese harassment.

It added it remains "committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea." "To prevent the distribution of humanitarian support is not only illegal but also inhumane," the task force said.

Meanwhile, a geopolitical analyst is urging the government to continue working with like-minded states in addressing concerns in the West Philippine Sea in 2024.

Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit made the statement during a forum entitled, "Fostering Cooperation in the IndoPacific Towards 2024," organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute on Nov. 28.

Manhit said that this year saw like-minded states repeatedly express their support for the Philippines' arbitral victory.