The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has rejected China’s justification for blocking Philippine maritime personnel, emphasizing that its interagency mission near Pag-asa Island was a routine law enforcement operation against illegal dynamite fishing.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, clarified that Philippine security forces were actively pursuing suspect vessels engaged in blast fishing within territorial waters when a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel executed dangerous blockages.
“The China Coast Guard has no law enforcement authority in the territorial sea of Pag-asa Island,” Tarriela said.
He also said, “By obstructing Philippine authorities, the CCG did not protect the marine environment. It made it easier for a suspected violator to escape.”
The PCG confirmed that the incident will be documented and formally submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs for appropriate diplomatic action.
Security officials reiterated that Philippine units will remain deployed to uphold national sovereignty and enforce environmental laws across local maritime zones.