AFP 'undeterred' as China’s anti-trespassing rule takes effect on June 15 | ABS-CBN
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AFP 'undeterred' as China’s anti-trespassing rule takes effect on June 15
AFP 'undeterred' as China’s anti-trespassing rule takes effect on June 15
The presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG) persists despite the effort of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to block them and assist the four main vessels of the second civilian resupply mission of the Atin Ito Coalition to the Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on May 15, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
The presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG) persists despite the effort of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to block them and assist the four main vessels of the second civilian resupply mission of the Atin Ito Coalition to the Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on May 15, 2024. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday it would not be deterred in performing its mandate on the eve of China's implementation of a new regulation empowering its coast guard to detain foreigners accused of trespassing in the South China Sea, including areas in the West Philippine Sea.
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday it would not be deterred in performing its mandate on the eve of China's implementation of a new regulation empowering its coast guard to detain foreigners accused of trespassing in the South China Sea, including areas in the West Philippine Sea.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said Beijing’s anti-trespassing policy, which will take effect on Saturday, June 15, undermines the rule of law and international norms that govern maritime conduct.
AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said Beijing’s anti-trespassing policy, which will take effect on Saturday, June 15, undermines the rule of law and international norms that govern maritime conduct.
“The presence and actions of its vessels in our waters are illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive. We will not be deterred or intimidated,” Trinidad told ABS-CBN News in a text message.
“The presence and actions of its vessels in our waters are illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive. We will not be deterred or intimidated,” Trinidad told ABS-CBN News in a text message.
“The AFP remains steadfast in our mission to protect our nation’s rights and ensure the safety of our personnel and citizens in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
“The AFP remains steadfast in our mission to protect our nation’s rights and ensure the safety of our personnel and citizens in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
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Under the controversial regulation, foreigners accused of illegally entering “Chinese waters” can be detained for up to 60 days without trial.
Under the controversial regulation, foreigners accused of illegally entering “Chinese waters” can be detained for up to 60 days without trial.
The AFP said it will continue conducting maritime patrols in areas within the Philippines’ jurisdiction.
The AFP said it will continue conducting maritime patrols in areas within the Philippines’ jurisdiction.
On Tuesday, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said the Philippine government will not allow China to arrest Filipinos who will access the West Philippine Sea.
On Tuesday, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said the Philippine government will not allow China to arrest Filipinos who will access the West Philippine Sea.
He noted that they have increased patrols in the said waters. The country is also involving its partners and allies, he added.
He noted that they have increased patrols in the said waters. The country is also involving its partners and allies, he added.
“Nothing will happen. The actions right now of the Philippine Navy, AFP, PCG and BFAR and all maritime players of the Philippine government are to prevent such situations [detention of Filipinos accessing the WPS],” Trinidad said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“Nothing will happen. The actions right now of the Philippine Navy, AFP, PCG and BFAR and all maritime players of the Philippine government are to prevent such situations [detention of Filipinos accessing the WPS],” Trinidad said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“We are not the only one concerned. Even other countries are concerned about that. This is not only the problem of the Philippines, but the problem of ASEAN and the international community,” he continued.
“We are not the only one concerned. Even other countries are concerned about that. This is not only the problem of the Philippines, but the problem of ASEAN and the international community,” he continued.
Meanwhile, fishers’ group Pamalakaya and other progressive organizations held a protest in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati to denounce Beijing’s order to arrest supposed trespassers.
Fisherfolk from Masinloc, Zambales said they would defy China’s fishing ban and would not recognize Beijing’s authority over Philippine waters.
“Nandito tayo para kondenahin ang paglabag na ito ng China sa ating karapatan. Tingin natin ang tunay na trespasser ay ang China mismo na nanghihimasok at nangangangkam ng ating karagatan,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Chairperson Teddy Casiño. – With a report from Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News
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