PMPI URGES FELLOW CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT’S CLAIM AT WPS

Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc (PMPI) firmly supports the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea, as defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This maritime territory holds immense importance for our nation, contributing significantly to food security, protecting nature, and preserving natural resources. This area is rich in fish, oil, and gas and is economically, environmentally, and strategically vital to the Philippines.

The longstanding dispute with China over sovereignty in the South China Sea, particularly in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has caused tensions affecting fishing rights, resource exploration and conservation, and the control of vital waterways. China’s construction of artificial islands and military installations has heightened concerns about regional stability and freedom of navigation.

Our country’s marine ecosystem, fisheries, and food security are paramount concerns directly impacted by China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Seizing control of the Scarborough Shoal and portions of Spratly’s Island (Rozul Reef, Escoda Shoal) has resulted in ecocide due to the destruction of the coral reef ecosystem for reclamation activities and massive harvesting of corals and other threatened marine resources. China’s selfish and greedy actions have violated the ecosystem’s rights to flourish, persist, and provide needed services to people and other ocean species.

Thus, we are wary of China’s non-recognition of the decisions made under international law despite numerous countries recognizing that the Philippines has sovereign rights. Likewise, under international law, the Philippines can patrol, defend, and navigate the EEZ in the West Philippine Sea, including Bajo de Masinloc.

We are stunned at the recent aggressive actions in the South China Sea, specifically the unwarranted use of water cannons by the China Coast Guard against Philippine civilian vessels near Scarborough Shoal. These vessels are on a humanitarian mission, transporting essential supplies such as oil and food meant for local fisherfolk in the area. Although the aggression did not injure people in the vessel, it led to property damage to one of our Philippine Coast Guard ships.

PMPI recognizes the efforts of different academic and civil society groups, government agencies, and lawmakers to exhaust legal avenues to settle this conflict, and we hail our victory over the conflict with the 2016 ruling by the arbitral tribunal in favor of the Philippines. However, as challenges persist and China’s blind rejection of the ruling has led to ongoing complexities in the region, the Philippine government should continue to assert our sovereign rights over these territories more strongly and actively.

We also urge our fellow citizens to support all government efforts to assert our claim and preserve regional stability, especially following the heightened tensions due to China’s water cannoning our vessels. But we need also, as citizens, to make it clear to China that we abhor his form of aggression and violence that puts at risk the lives of our people.  We continue to denounce all attempts by China or any other entity to trample upon our sovereignty and infringe upon our rights to what is rightfully ours under international law.

We at PMPI remain committed to upholding peace and stability in the region. The West Philippine Sea’s abundant natural resources are recognized under UNCLOS, and PMPI calls for collective efforts to defend this valuable territory. By fostering unity and solidarity across sectors and civil society, we aim to address critical issues and work towards the more significant cause of safeguarding our beloved West Philippine Sea.

We at PMPI join our fellow citizens in affirming that the West Philippine Sea is ours … ATIN ITO!