By Sam Ramos
The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Monday denounced the continued illegal presence of Chinese vessels in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), filing another diplomatic protest against Beijing.
The NMC identified the two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships—CCG 5901 and CCG 3304—operating unlawfully near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), located 70 to 90 nautical miles off Zambales, on January 5 and 10, respectively.
The council also flagged the deployment of a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) helicopter, which hovered over a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel performing its lawful duties in a professional and non-provocative manner.
“These actions clearly violate the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064), international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, which affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its maritime zones,” the NMC stated.
The council described these acts as “escalatory actions” that contradict the principles of freedom of navigation and innocent passage outlined in UNCLOS and Philippine law.
The Philippine government reiterated its longstanding sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and its adjacent territorial sea, as well as its exclusive rights within the EEZ as defined by international law.
“China has no legitimate basis to conduct law enforcement or patrol operations in these waters,” the NMC emphasized, urging Beijing to comply with international legal obligations and cease actions that violate Philippine sovereign rights.
This latest protest follows similar incidents earlier in the year. On January 2, the National Security Council (NSC) condemned the patrol operations of a CCG “Monster Ship” within the EEZ, calling it an act of intimidation and aggression.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros called for the Philippines to file new cases against China in international courts, highlighting the need for strengthened alliances with like-minded nations to counter such activities.
“Beijing’s ships will keep returning unless we take decisive measures,” Hontiveros said, encouraging joint patrols with allied coast guards to demonstrate resolve.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada echoed the call for a united and proactive response. He underscored the importance of asserting the country’s sovereign rights, referencing the 2016 Arbitral Award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which upheld the Philippines’ claims over maritime areas in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Philippines will not yield to coercion or intimidation when faced with challenges to our sovereignty,” Estrada stated, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to protect national security.
Despite repeated protests and international rulings, China’s activities in contested waters remain a persistent challenge for the Philippines. Government officials and security experts continue to advocate for a combination of diplomatic, legal, and strategic measures to safeguard the nation’s maritime rights.