NTF-WPS seeks accountability for reef damage near Pag-asa Island
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THIS handout photo taken on 21 March last year and received from the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources shows an aerial view of Filipino scientists inspecting Sandy Cay reef, near the Philippine-held Thitu Island, in Spratly Islands. Inset, taken on 27 April this year shows Philippine Coast Guard and military personnel holding a Philippine flag during an inter-agency maritime operation in Sandy Cay 2. The Philippines on 28 April slammed an ‘irresponsible’ Chinese state media report claiming a disputed reef in the South China Sea was under Beijing’s control, saying the status quo was unchanged.
PHOTOGRAPHs COURTESY OF National Task Force on West Philippine Sea/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has expressed serious concern over environmental damage reportedly caused by a Chinese vessel near Pag-asa Reef 1, approximately 2.6 kilometers east of Pag-asa Island.
In a statement on Monday, the NTF-WPS reiterated its support for the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development’s (PCSD) recommendations on reef rehabilitation and emphasized the need to enforce environmental accountability under Philippine law.
“We remain committed to safeguarding the West Philippine Sea, preserving our marine ecosystems, and upholding the well-being of the communities that depend on them,” the task force said.
On 7 June 2025, a Chinese vessel bearing bow number 16868 was spotted in shallow waters near Pag-asa Island.
The vessel remained grounded for nearly three hours before managing to free itself without assistance. It was later seen leaving the area under escort by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and two other Chinese vessels.
While the vessel did not run aground directly on the coral reef, the task force reported that its anchoring activity caused significant damage to the surrounding reef area, which forms part of a critical marine ecosystem within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
"This incident occurred amid heightened activity by Chinese Maritime Militia and Coast Guard vessels within the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island, underscoring persistent operational concerns in the area," the NTF-WPS stated.
The task force also lauded the vigilance of local fisherfolk, whose timely reporting of the incident enabled the swift documentation and assessment of the damage.
“The vigilance of our coastal communities remains vital in safeguarding our marine resources. Their lived experience at sea reflects not only environmental risks but also daily threats to their safety, livelihood, and dignity,” the statement read.
Pag-asa Island, part of the Kalayaan Island Group, has been the site of increasing maritime tensions in recent years due to the growing presence of Chinese vessels within Philippine waters.
Environmental and security concerns continue to rise amid repeated incursions and suspected damage to ecologically sensitive areas.
