THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a special operation and was able to succesfully remove hazardous floating barriers at the southeast portion of Bajo de Masinloc (BDM), otherwise known as Scarborough Shoal.
The operation was in compliance with the presidential instruction from President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Secretary Eduardo Año, Chairman of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), who, in turn, directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to execute said special operation to remove the floating barriers.
The barriers posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law. It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in BDM, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory.
The 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award has affirmed that BDM is the traditional fishing ground of Filipino fishermen. Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates international law, and likewise infringes on the Philippines’ sovereignty over BDM.
PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), CG Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal.
“The PCG remains committed to upholding international law, safeguarding the welfare of Filipino fisherfolk, and protecting the rights of the Philippines in its territorial waters,” affirms Commodore Tarriela.
(PHOTO CREDIT: PCG Media)