The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) clarified on Saturday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. holds the final authority to decide whether Navy vessels will “shadow” Philippine missions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following increasing Chinese maritime provocations.
PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela emphasized that while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could recommend such actions, the President, as Commander-in-Chief, will have the ultimate say. “We will support any decision made by the AFP and the President,” Tarriela stated.
Chinese Provocations Escalate
The National Maritime Council (NMC) earlier reported aggressive maneuvers by Chinese vessels at Scarborough Shoal, known locally as Bajo de Masinloc. On Wednesday, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship was spotted shadowing a PCG vessel, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, from just 300 yards away. This was shortly after the China Coast Guard (CCG) fired water cannons and rammed the Philippine vessel in the area.
Despite the provocations, NMC spokesperson Undersecretary Alexander Lopez stressed that the Philippines aims to resolve disputes diplomatically. “Deploying Navy vessels could escalate the situation, and we are keen on avoiding that,” Lopez said.
Growing Concerns Over PLA Navy Presence
Tarriela noted this marked the first instance of PLA Navy warships directly interfering with a PCG operation. “The Coast Guard was deployed to avoid claims of militarization, yet China is now deploying warships in our exclusive economic zone,” he said, calling the development “alarming.”
He reiterated that while the PCG leads maritime patrols, it cannot substitute the Navy in territorial defense matters.
Diplomatic Actions
In response to the latest incidents, the Philippines lodged another diplomatic protest against China’s aggressions in Scarborough Shoal and Escoda Shoal. This followed dangerous maneuvers by Chinese ships against Philippine vessels near Rozul Reef, where PCG ships were assisting Filipino fishermen harassed by the CCG.
China’s embassy in Manila claimed Philippine vessels had intruded into its territory, asserting that the CCG’s actions were lawful.
These events coincided with China’s submission to the United Nations of territorial baselines, which controversially include Scarborough Shoal as part of its claimed waters.
The Philippine government, backed by international allies, continues to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic protests and maritime patrols.