PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO
Naghain ng dalawang panibagong diplomatic protests ang Department of Foreign Affairs bilang protesta sa pananatili ng Chinese vessels sa loob ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea.
Sa pahayag ng DFA, ang bagong diplomatic protests ay dagdag lang sa araw-araw na diplomatic protests na kanilang inihahain.
“As of 20 April 2021, Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies observed the continued unauthorized presence and activities of a total of one hundred sixty (160) Chinese Fishing Vessels and Chinese Maritime Militia Vessels in Philippine waters. The vessels were observed within the territorial sea of high tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, in the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and in and around the territorial waters of Bajo de Masinloc,” ayon sa DFA.
“Meanwhile five (5) Chinese Coast Guard vessels with bow numbers 3103, 3301, 3305, 5101, and 5203 were seen deployed within the vicinities of the Pag-asa Islands, Bajo de Masinloc and Ayungin Shoal,” dagdag pa nito sa pahayag.
Nakapaloob sa abiso ang paalala sa China na ang Bajo de Masinloc, Pag-asa Islands, Panata, Parola, Kota Islands, Chigua at Burgos Reefs ay teritoryo ng Pilipinas, gayundin ang Julian Felipe Reef at Ayungin Shoal.
Sinabi din na ang patuloy na presensiya ng Chinese vessels sa mga nabanggit na bahagi ng West Philippine Sea ay taliwas sa sinasabi ng China na hangad nila ang kapayapaan sa rehiyon.