10-6-2024 (MANILA) The Philippine government has firmly asserted its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Ayungin Shoal, rejecting China’s recent suggestion that Manila must seek approval for activities in the disputed area. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año forcefully dismissed Beijing’s stance as “absurd, nonsense, and unacceptable.”
“We do not and will never need China’s approval for any of our activities therein,” Año declared in a statement on Saturday night, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to upholding its territorial claims within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), as recognized by international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The official’s remarks came in response to China’s announcement that it would no longer obstruct the delivery of food and other provisions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine naval vessel grounded in Ayungin Shoal, provided that Manila gives advance notice. However, Año’s unequivocal statement underscores the Philippine government’s unwavering stance on the matter.
The escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) have been exacerbated by recent incidents, including the Chinese Coast Guard’s seizure of one of four food packages and provisions airdropped by Philippine military aircraft for the crew of the Sierra Madre. Despite Beijing’s demand that Manila tow away the rusty outpost as a condition for continued dialogue, the Department of Foreign Affairs has steadfastly maintained that the Philippines has not relinquished its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its EEZ and continental shelf, including Ayungin Shoal.
As the territorial dispute intensifies, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Roy Trinidad, has underscored the country’s mandate and right to maintain the Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. “This is a commissioned vessel of the Philippine Navy. That is the mandate of the Philippine Navy, to maintain and not neglect it,” Trinidad asserted in a radio interview.
Amidst the ongoing tensions, Trinidad has issued a stern warning to the public, urging vigilance against China’s alleged “penetration” into Philippine society, political, and economic systems. He likened Beijing’s approach to an insurgency, accusing China of attempting to “destroy the country from within” by infiltrating various sectors, including the military, economy, politics, and education.
“What China is doing to us is to penetrate Philippine society and our political system, our economic system; penetrate us across all instruments of national power, all dimensions and destroy us from within. We must all remain vigilant in this regard,” Trinidad emphasized.
In a significant development, soldiers from the United States and the Philippine Army have established a Joint Operations Center (JOC) as part of Exercise Salaknib 2024. This milestone initiative aims to foster collaboration among multinational partners during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable (JPMRC-X) exercise portion of Salaknib at Fort Magsaysay.
The JOC will facilitate real-time information sharing, joint planning, and execution of military operations among participating nations, underscoring the importance of regional partnerships in maintaining a secure and stable region. For the Philippine Army, the experience offers hands-on training within a Joint Operations Center to manage and oversee a major bilateral exercise – a first in the history of Salaknib.
