PATULOY na minomonitor ang sitwasyon sa karagatan sa Julian Felipe Reef (Union Reef) sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) na nakalokasyon sa loob ng exclusive economic zone ng Pilipinas.
Ito’y dahilan sa presensya ng Chinese vessels ayon kay AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.
“The reef is within the Philippines’ economic zone therefore we oppose any move of encroachment in this sovereign territory,” ayon kay Lt. Gen. Cirilito.
Aniya, prayoridad ng AFP ang proteksyon ng mga mamamayan Pilipino lalo na ang mga mangingisda sa lugar sa pamamagitan ng pagdadadag ng maritime patrols.
Ayon kay Sobejana, patuloy na itaguyod ng AFP ang “peaceful, principled, and rules-based approach” sa pagresolba sa mga isyu sa West Philippine Sea.
“We will defer to the decision of the Department of National Defense and Department of Foreign Affairs regarding the matter,” ani Sobejana.
Kasunod ng pagpasok ng Chinese militia boats sa karagatan ng bansa, nag-apela ang bansa ng diplomatic protest laban sa China.
“Diplomatic protest fired off tonight, can’t wait for first light,” ayon sa Tweet ni Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
“So recommended by General Esperon this noon by Whats App. I got the coordinates, so to speak. And relayed to my legal artillery, ‘Fire at will.” Shell should be flying at first light. I don’t usually announce maneuvers but it seems everybody is baring his chest,” ayon pa kay Locsin sa Tweet nito.
Kamakailan lang ay inireport ng Philippine Coast Guard ang nasa 220 Chinese fishing vessels na pinaniniwalaang lulan ng Chinese maritime militia personnel na nakaangkla sa palinyang pormasyon sa Juan Felipe Reef noong Marso 7.
“NTF WPS notes this circumstance as a concern due to the possible over fishing and destruction of the maritime environment, as well as risks to the safety of navigation,” ayon sa NTF WPS.
