MISSION ACCOMPLISHED Non-government organization "Atin To" Coalition during its second civilian resupply mission in Bajo de Masinloc. According to the group, the mission, which was ended yesterday, achieved several of its goals, including holding a solidarity and peace regatta of 100 small fishing boats within the country’s exclusive economic zone, placing symbolic markers within the WPS and distributing a total of 6,000 liters of fuel and a thousand food packs to 670 fisherfolk. Xinhua
China has issued a new regulation permitting the arrest of "foreigners" in disputed maritime territories, following a Philippine civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) that concluded on Friday.
According to a report by the pro-communist South China Morning Post on Thursday, the China Coast Guard has indicated that, under this regulation, they have the authority to detain trespassers in the South China Sea (SCS) without trial.
The South China Morning Post referenced a regulatory document from Beijing, which is anticipated to take effect in June.
"Foreigners suspected of illegally crossing China's borders can be held for up to 60 days," the newspaper reported.
Meanwhile, a Chinese defense spokesperson has warned the Philippine side not to take any rash action, and urged it to halt all acts of infringement and provocation.
Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference Friday in response to a media inquiry about the Philippine president's recent claim that the country has no intention to provoke or escalate tensions in the South China Sea, as well as about the military drills jointly carried out by the Philippine and US troops.
“The actions and statements from the Philippine side are contradictory and self-defeating, and it is clear to the world as of who is provoking and creating incidents in the South China Sea and exacerbating tensions through bloc rivalry,” Zhang said.
“If anyone attempts to form self-serving cliques to coerce or pressure China, their calculations are entirely misguided,” the spokesperson added.
‘Major victory’
The recently concluded civilian resupply mission to Filipino fishermen in the WPS was a “major victory,” the “Atin Ito” non-government organization (NGO) said Friday.
In a statement, Atin Ito spokesperson Emman Hizon said the mission achieved several of its goals, including holding a solidarity and peace regatta of 100 small fishing boats within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), placing symbolic markers within the WPS and distributing a total of 6,000 liters of fuel and a thousand food packs to 670 fisherfolk.
“The mission achieved a major victory on May 15 when its advance team reached the vicinity of Panatag Shoal, despite facing a massive and unlawful blocking force by China. The advance team successfully delivered supplies to the fishers in the area,” Hizon said.
He thanked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – especially their escort, BRP Bagacay – and other partners in the government and private sector.
“Their efforts were crucial in ensuring the safety and success of this mission,” he said.
On the other hand, PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commended their personnel for their professionalism during the escort mission.
The PCG deployed two vessels – BRP Bagacay and BRP Panglao – to escort the civilian maritime convoy, in addition to an aerial asset from the PCG Aviation Command that conducted maritime surveillance.
“Our men and women ensured the safety and security of approximately 160 passengers and crew of the FFV John, FFV Aguian, FFV Paty, FFV Bing Bing, as well as local and foreign media partners who documented the civilian supply mission on board our Coast Guard ships,” Gavan said in a separate statement.
These PCG personnel, he said, exercised “utmost professionalism” in conducting radio challenges and upheld the rule of law amid shadowing incidents with several China Coast Guard vessels.
“As their commandant, I take pride in witnessing how the best Coast Guard service prevailed within our exclusive economic zone,” he said.
Commendable
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) likewise lauded the group for the success of its mission.
"We commend this initiative for its significant role in asserting the Philippine's presence and rights in the West Philippine Sea," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a message to reporters.
He said peaceful endeavors are crucial in demonstrating national solidarity and upholding the Philippines sovereign rights in the WPS, in accordance with international law.
The four Filipino fishing vessels of the Atin Ito convoy safely arrived in Subic, Zambales on Thursday with all passengers and crew in good physical condition.
At about 8 a.m. on Friday, BRP Bagacay and BRP Panglao arrived at the PCG headquarters in Port Area, Manila. PNA
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