AFP on alleged seizure of China’s nets: We protect our sovereign rights

In this photo taken on May 16, 2024, Philippine fishermen aboard their wooden boat catch fish in South China Sea. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to protect the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea in response to China’s allegation that its personnel seized the nets of its fishermen installed off Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

“The Philippines remains committed to upholding its sovereignty and protecting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla in a statement.

China’s official state publication Xinhua on Tuesday claimed that the personnel of BRP Sierra Madre “repeatedly damaged” Chinese fishermen’s nets last May 15. Xinhua further said that over 2,000 meters of Beijing’s fishing nets have been destroyed, while more than 100 meters of fishing nets were seized by Manila.

READ: Philippine Navy destroys Chinese fishing nets in Ayungin—report

Padilla did not confirm or deny China’s accusations, calling it a “distraction.”

“We will not dignify these claims with a detailed response,” Padilla said.

“This latest accusation is yet another example of China’s malign influence operation, which seeks to distract from the real issue at hand: their ongoing illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions and activities in the West Philippine Sea,” she added.

The BRP Sierra Madre became one of the flashpoints of tension in the West Philippine Sea, as Chinese vessels resorted to usage of water cannons during previous resupply missions there which even injured three Philippine navy personnel at one point.

Last May 19, China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel aboard two rigid hull inflatable boats seized and dumped overboard food and other supplies which were airdropped by a Philippine military aircraft for BRP Sierra Madre. The CCG also allegedly obstructed a medical evacuation of an ailing soldier from the naval outpost.

Such actions are in line with Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling that stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013.

Ayungin lies within the western section of the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone some 194 kilometers off Palawan province.