The National Maritime Council (NMC) has formally instructed foreign authorities to immediately halt all illegal, uncoordinated, and unauthorized activities taking place within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
In an official statement, the council reiterated that foreign maritime deployments and unsanctioned operations inside local economic boundaries directly violate international legal standards, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The Philippines maintains full rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone, and foreign entities must respect our maritime sovereignty,” council representatives said.
The agency noted that continued unlawful presence, maritime swarming, and resource exploitation damage marine habitats while creating tactical hazards for local vessels.
Council members also said government agencies will continue to log, record, and formally protest every documented infraction through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The council emphasized that foreign powers operating in regional waters must adhere strictly to established rules to prevent unnecessary escalation and preserve regional maritime stability.