MANILA, Philippines- Ipinagsawalang-bahala ng China ang aksyon ng Pilipinas na alisin ang floating barrier sa Scarborough Shoal na inilagay ng China Coast Guard.
“What the Philippines did looks like nothing more than self-amusement,” giit ni Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin sa press conference nitong Miyerkules.
“I would like to reiterate that Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) has always been China’s territory… China will continue to safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests over Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal),” dagdag niya.
Inihayag ito ni Wang nang tanungin kung tinanggal na ng China ang natitira mula sa floating barrier sa shoal ayon sa iniulat ng PCG at kung nagbago ang posisyon ng China sa pag-angkin nito sa Scarborough Shoal.
Matatandaang binaklas ng Pilipinas nitong Lunes ng gabi ang floating barrier na anito’y ikinabit ng Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) sa southeast portion ng Scarborough Shoal.
Alinsunod ito sa utos nina Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, pinuno ng National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea, base sa PCG.
“The decisive action of the PCG to remove the barrier aligns with international law and the Philippines’ sovereignty over the shoal,” ani PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela nitong Martes.
Inamin naman ni Wang na inilagay ng China ang floating barrier upang pigilan ang BFAR vessel sa pagpasok sa Scarborough Shoal.
“On September 22, without China’s permission, a ship of the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, trespassed into the waters near Huangyan Island, and attempted to intrude into the lagoon of Huangyan Island,” paglalahad ni Wang.
“China’s coast guard took the necessary measures to stop and warn off the ship in accordance with the law, which was professional and with restraint,” dagdag niya. RNT/SA
