The Philippine government has filed a diplomatic protest with China against its ongoing deployment of its coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the country’s territorial waters, especially within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the National Maritime Council (NMC) confirmed in a statement on Monday.

The NMC condemned the Chinese presence in Philippine waters, calling it a “clear violation” of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064) and international laws, specifically the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 arbitral ruling which affirmed Manila’s sovereign rights in its maritime zones, particularly in the WPS.

“The Philippines strongly opposes the continued illegal presence and operations of the China Coast Guard vessels, as well as the provocative actions of a Chinese helicopter within the country’s maritime zones,” the NMC said.

“The Philippine government has been vigilant and unwavering in upholding the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction within its maritime zones,” the council’s statement read.

The Philippine Coast Guard continuously conducted radio challenges against the Chinese ships and demanded the Chinese vessels leave Philippine territory immediately.

The NMC, however, lamented that China continued to provoke an intense situation by deploying a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) helicopter, which hovered over the PCG vessel, instead of complying with the rules-based order.

“The escalatory actions of these Chinese vessels and aircraft disregard Philippine and international laws, as their actions are inconsistent with the exercise of freedom of navigation and innocent passage as well as the exercise of rights and observance of duties by other states in the Philippines’ EEZ under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, 1982 UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling,” it said.

The NMC’s statement follows the sighting of the China Coast Guard’s largest vessel, CCG 5901, also known as the “monster ship,” which has been navigating within the Philippines’ EEZ and had positioned itself 97 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales since 5 January.

Another ship, the CCG 3304, was also detected in and around the waters of Bajo de Masinloc, about 70-90 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales on 10 January.

In response, the PCG immediately deployed its vessels and air assets in the areas where Chinese vessels were spotted.

The NMC reiterated that China does not have any right to conduct maritime patrols in these waters.

It also urged China to observe Philippine laws and comply with its obligations under international law and direct its vessels to desist from conducting illegal actions that violate the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its EEZ.

Senators voice protest

Meanwhile, several senators voiced their protest to the deployment of a Chinese monster ship within the country’s EEZ.

In a statement, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros slammed China for “creating” more disturbances in the region.

“China is not starting the year right. Instead of keeping the peace in the region, she has chosen to create more disturbance,” Hontiveros told reporters.

She reiterated her call to Malacañang to lodge new cases against the People’s Republic of China before an international court, citing its repeated disregard for the country’s laws.

She also called for stronger alliances with like-minded nations to counter China’s actions.

In a separate statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the situation warrants a comprehensive and proactive response from the Philippine government.

“I think it’s crucial to take action now. We need a proactive, united, and sustained approach to protect our rights and ensure the safety and security of our people,” he said.