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The Kalayaan, Panatag & other disputed islands; Future conflict zones?
Topic Started: Feb 2 2005, 08:00 PM (155,973 Views)
Mckoyzzz
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Coast Guard moves in
By Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star) Updated April 13, 2012 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - A Coast Guard vessel steamed into Scarborough Shoal off Zambales yesterday to relieve a naval warship, which pulled out of the area after facing off with two Chinese vessels that had prevented the arrest of Chinese poachers.

A third Chinese vessel arrived yesterday in Scarborough, which the Philippines calls Panatag Shoal, 120 nautical miles off Zambales. The Philippine military said the third vessel is from the Chinese ministry of agriculture.

Lt. Gen. Anthony Alcantara, chief of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) whose jurisdiction covers Scarborough, clarified that Coast Guard ship BRP Pampanga merely “relieved” the Navy warship BRP Gregorio del Pilar, which had been in a standoff with the Chinese “surveillance” ships since Tuesday.

“Our Coast Guard is supposed to enforce maritime law,” Alcantara explained.

He said the Navy ship was ordered to sail to Poro Point in La Union.

“We are seeking a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the area,” Alcantara said.

The withdrawal of the Gregorio del Pilar came only hours after Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama declared that the flagship would remain in the area. Later, Pama said the flagship had to be withdrawn so it could load more supplies and provisions.

“It’s definitely not a retreat. There’s another ship from the Philippine Coast Guard to continue to enforce what we have started,” Pama said referring to the Pampanga.

“Their fuel is already on a critical level and their food supply is only good until tomorrow,” Pama explained.


Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also said the warship’s pullout was “due to operational reasons.”

PCG spokesman Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said the mission of the 56-meter Pampanga “is to show our presence and flag in the area.” Also on board the vessel were three representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

........

In the Communist Party’s mouthpiece the People’s Daily, Major General Luo Yuan said it’s the Philippines “last chance” to resolve its territorial disputes with China.

“The biggest miscalculation of the Philippines is that it has misestimated the strength and willpower of China to defend its territorial integrity,” Luo said in a commentary also published in the Global Times newspaper.

The Heritage Foundation, a conservative US think tank, said on the other hand that it is “vital for the US to continue supporting the Philippines as a strong Philippine position in the South China Sea is the best way to ensure peace and prevent Chinese adventurism.”

“After all, the cutter we provided them last year is in the thick of this standoff—without it, the Philippines would never have known of illegal Chinese fishing. Bolstering the Philippines’ flagging ability to defend its territorial sovereignty, at least to a position of self-sustainability, is essential,” Robert Warshaw of the Heritage Foundation said. “If shots are fired, the US is treaty-obligated to begin formal consultations with the Philippines on how best to support it.”



Environmental issue

Malacañang said the Chinese incursion is also an environmental issue and not just territorial.

He also said the Navy observed the rules of engagement when its personnel informed the foreign vessels of the intrusion. He also said the deployment of the BRP Pampanga was not a provocation because the vessel performs only civilian functions.

“There are rules of engagement in boarding a vessel and those rules of engagement I believe were observed by our Navy. That’s the reason why there is no truth that they were harassed, rules of engagement were followed by our Navy personnel,” he said.


“As far as the Philippines is concerned, we observed the rules of engagement, that’s the reason why we are very confident there was no harassment on the part of the Chinese fishermen,” Lacierda maintained.

But as the Chinese poachers remain free, 20 Vietnamese fishermen were arrested for illegal fishing yesterday in Balabac, Palawan after a long night chase by a Philippine Navy gunboat.

Maj. Niel Estrella, spokesman and intelligence chief of the Western Command (Wescom) said that the Vietnamese vessel was found to be carrying 20 live sea turtles.

“The apprehended 20 Vietnamese fishermen along with their fishing vessel are now being escorted by a Naval gunboat PG-383 to Puerto Princesa City for the filing of appropriate charges,” he said.

UN help sought

For administration lawmakers, it might take an intervention from the UN to end the standoff.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said the government must exhaust all peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve the standoff “without giving up our legal claim over Scarborough Shoal.”

“If necessary, the UN should step in because what is being violated by the Chinese fishermen is the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Evardone said.

“The UN should assert that its international laws should be observed and respected by its member-nations,” he said.

Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna said running to the UN and invoking the UNCLOS “is an available remedy that we have under international law.”


“We can still continue with the amicable diplomatic negotiations with China. That way, we will not heighten the belligerency between our country and China on this issue,” Tugna said. “But our government must have a deadline on how long it will resort to bilateral/multi-lateral negotiations with China and other countries that are also interested in this territory.”

He said that if the impasse drags on, the Philippines “can file a case in the UN against China for violation of international laws.”

Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said the government may also invoke the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

“From all indications, the Chinese are hell-bent in intruding on our territory to get to our resources especially natural gas, fisheries and others, we must ensure that we will continue to defend what is ours,” Colmenares said.

“We must also be wary of US entry into the picture as it will only worsen the situation and even escalate it. Furthermore it would just put us in a situation of one invader substituting for another,” he said.


The Kabataan party-list group blamed the previous administration for the situation in Scarborough Shoal.

Terry Ridon, spokesman for the party-list group, said the Arroyo administration declared Scarborough Shoal as a “regime of islands” under the UNCLOS, rather than part of the country’s territorial waters

“By declaring the Scarborough Shoal as a mere regime of islands, the country had effectively lost full sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Group of Islands, thus subjecting our claim over these islands to mere diplomatic resolution,” Ridon said.

“We are thus constrained to merely explore and exploit the resources found therein, instead of being able to exercise full political, economic and military sovereignty over these waters,” he said.

He said the Arroyo administration fully knew that it had passed the Baselines Law from a “position of weakness and fear of China, instead of valiantly staking our historical claim over these islands.”


ASEAN card

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, for his part, said the Philippines can count on its allies, particularly from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in dealing with China on the Scarborough issue.


Lacson, chairman of the Senate committee on national defense and security, said that China was apparently posturing to assert its claim on what clearly does not belong to it.

“There’ll be a lot of posturing and this is one of those, ordering the Philippine authorities to leave the contested islands,” Lacson said. “We can’t go up against them but we always have the ASEAN. We will always lean on the stronger countries.

“What is happening in the West Philippine Sea is not just an interest of the Republic of the Philippines, it is an international issue,” Lacson said. “We can just hope that this does not escalate into something more serious that would have dire consequences.”


Lacson maintained that the issue stemmed merely from an enforcement of local laws. He said the Chinese fishermen were found poaching in Philippine territorial waters and thus should be held accountable, he said.

Sen. Gregorio Honasan said the Philippines did the right thing when it filed a diplomatic protest against China. He also stressed that diplomacy is still the best approach to the impasse.

“I agree with actions taken by DFA’s (Secretary) Del Rosario. We mount a diplomatic protest, communicate the incident to the government of China, and hope there will be a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to this,” Honasan said.

He also called on officials to talk with the country’s allies such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN and let them know “that there is that situation in Scarborough Shoal... how they intend to help us, this is not only a regional issue but a global issue.”


“Let’s ask them if there is substance to all these agreements, security economic that we have signed with them, otherwise, what’s the use,” he added.

In Butuan City, a new group called Filipinos for Real Change (FRC) said militant groups like Bayan and Gabriela should explain their silence on the issue.

“Militant groups are always in the forefront in every protest rally in front of the US embassy in Manila protesting against what they claimed US imperialism, What about China’s continuing bullying against us when it is very clear Scarborough Shoal is within Philippine territory? Where is their nationalist spirit? Why the continued silence over this direct intervention of China to our sovereignty?” FRC said in its statement.


philstar.com
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"Do not condemn the judgment of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong -- Dandemis"
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israeli
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DFA: 1 of 3 Chinese vessels in Scarborough standoff leaves; diplomatic talks resume
April 13, 2012 8:38am


The tension at the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea appeared to ease early Friday after one of three Chinese ships left the area.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Raul Hernandez said they were informed by the Chinese embassy in Manila that the Chinese ship that left had another mission.


"Na-inform tayo ng Embassy ng China sa Manila na meron silang ibang mission... 'Yung isa sa tatlo na barko [umalis]," Hernandez said in an interview on dzBB radio.

But he said two other Chinese ships remain in the area, along with the Philippine Coast Guard vessel.

Hernandez also said DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario met with Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing at 8 a.m., but he did not immediately give further details.

"Nag-uusap si Sec. del Rosario at Ambassador Ma. We think nakakuha siya ng new information from Beijing hinggil sa ating mga panukala para makahanap ng solusyon sa nangyayari sa Scarborough Shoal," he said.


<snipped>

Navy commander Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the Gregorio del Pilar was in La Union for "refueling and reprovisioning."

"Nakaalerto ito kung anong susunod na utos," he said in a separate interview on dzBB radio.


Asked if the BRP Gregorio del Pilar will return to the Scarborough area, Pama hinted it may not immediately do so.

"Ang guidance sa amin, hindi dapat paigtingin ang level ng tension doon," he said.


More of the article here.
"To secure peace is to prepare for war." - Carl Von Clausewitz
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Tsukiyomi
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This is the time to create change in the Asia. Someone must stand up to the bully at poke him in the eyeball. Chinese diplomacy only means they will steal from you another day. Do not back down!!!
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arvcab
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Philippines 'withdraws warship' amid China stand-off

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17686107


The Philippines says it has withdrawn its largest warship from a continuing stand-off with Chinese boats in the disputed South China Sea.

Earlier on Thursday a Philippine coastguard vessel arrived in the area, known as the Scarborough Shoal.

The Philippines also says China has sent a third ship to the scene.

The Philippine foreign minister said negotiations with China would continue. Both claim the shoal off the Philippines' north-west coast.

The Philippines said its warship found eight Chinese fishing vessels at the shoal when it was patrolling the area on Sunday.

It did not say why the warship had been pulled back. "That is an operational undertaking I can't discuss with you," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

"We are pursuing the diplomatic track in terms of coming to a resolution on the issue," Mr Del Rosario said.
Differing views

In a statement, the Philippines said that its navy boarded the Chinese fishing vessels on Tuesday and found a large amount of illegally-caught fish and coral.

Two Chinese surveillance ships then apparently arrived in the area, placing themselves between the warship and the fishing vessels, preventing the navy from making arrests.

The Philippines summoned Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing on Wednesday to lodge a protest over the incident. However, China maintained it had sovereign rights over the area and asked that the Philippine warship leave the waters.

China's state-run newspaper China Daily claimed in an editorial that the Chinese fishermen were "harassed" by the Philippine ship.

"China should take more measures to safeguard its maritime territory," the newspaper stated.

"The latest moves by China's two neighbours are beyond tolerance," it added, also referring to Vietnam. "They are blatant challenges to China's territorial integrity."

However, the Global Times newspaper added that China "has the patience to work out solutions with the countries concerned through negotiation".

The stand-off comes as the Philippines prepares for joint naval exercises with the United States from the 16 to 27 April near the disputed area.

Six countries claim competing sovereignty over areas in the South China Sea, which is believed to contain huge deposits of oil and gas.

Along with China and the Philippines, they are Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

China's claim includes almost the entire South China Sea, well into what the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea recognises as the 200-mile-from-shore Exclusive Economic Zones of other claimants.

That has led to occasional flare-ups and to competition to occupy islands, reefs and sandbars.
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spraret
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PH, China withdraw protests in Scarborough standoff

Quote:
 
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine and Chinese governments on Friday agreed to withdraw their diplomatic protests and seek a peaceful solution to the tension in Scarborough Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario made the announcement after meeting with Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing.

He said the Philippine government will continue to conduct negotiations with the Chinese side.

Lt. Commander Algier Ricafrente, Coast Guard spokesman, said the BRP Pampanga will continue to stay in the area to continue its mission of maritime protection.

He said one Chinese surveillance vessel has already left the area, leaving 2 more in the area.


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/13/12...orough-standoff
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Zero wing
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spraret
Apr 13 2012, 01:51 PM
PH, China withdraw protests in Scarborough standoff

Quote:
 
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine and Chinese governments on Friday agreed to withdraw their diplomatic protests and seek a peaceful solution to the tension in Scarborough Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario made the announcement after meeting with Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing.

He said the Philippine government will continue to conduct negotiations with the Chinese side.

Lt. Commander Algier Ricafrente, Coast Guard spokesman, said the BRP Pampanga will continue to stay in the area to continue its mission of maritime protection.

He said one Chinese surveillance vessel has already left the area, leaving 2 more in the area.


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/13/12...orough-standoff

Sir that a wrong move for us the chinese are really arrogant we should cut tie with this people
"No sacrifice is too great in the service of freedom."

“As long as we are not willing to provide an adequate, suitable and capable defense for this country, we will be oppressed, demeaned and dishonored. We will be the stepping mat of every country in this region,”(Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile)

“Just because we are a very weak country militarily, we should not be taken advantage of by more powerful countries" (Senate committee on national defense and security chairman Panfilo Lacson)
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Zero wing
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We should do something to push for the fast tracking of our modernization program and citizens should be ready for war looks like the chincoms are not for peace peaceful rise my @$$.
"No sacrifice is too great in the service of freedom."

“As long as we are not willing to provide an adequate, suitable and capable defense for this country, we will be oppressed, demeaned and dishonored. We will be the stepping mat of every country in this region,”(Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile)

“Just because we are a very weak country militarily, we should not be taken advantage of by more powerful countries" (Senate committee on national defense and security chairman Panfilo Lacson)
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TonyStark2020
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Zero wing
Apr 13 2012, 01:57 PM
spraret
Apr 13 2012, 01:51 PM
PH, China withdraw protests in Scarborough standoff

Quote:
 
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine and Chinese governments on Friday agreed to withdraw their diplomatic protests and seek a peaceful solution to the tension in Scarborough Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario made the announcement after meeting with Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing.

He said the Philippine government will continue to conduct negotiations with the Chinese side.

Lt. Commander Algier Ricafrente, Coast Guard spokesman, said the BRP Pampanga will continue to stay in the area to continue its mission of maritime protection.

He said one Chinese surveillance vessel has already left the area, leaving 2 more in the area.


http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/13/12...orough-standoff

Sir that a wrong move for us the chinese are really arrogant we should cut tie with this people

I agree with you Sir, sino kaya ang nag suggest nito, PH o Ch?

It would look like that we are agreeing to them na both parties have equal rights to the area??!
That area is definitely ours and the best move is to continue with the diplomatic protest regardless of anything..
Now it became like a Spratly claim na sorry nalang tayo kapag wala tayo doon at itatayo nila ang Chinese Flag next time.. THIS IS AN AREA VERY CLOSE AND DEFINITELY PART OF OUR TERRITORY!

Para narin pinakita nila sa China kung gaano tayo kadali at kahina, the Philippine Govt of P.Noy should stand FIRM on this one HINDI PURO BIBIG LANG!
IT SHOULD ONLY BE ON OUR TERMS AND NOT ON EQUAL TERMS, THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE THIS IS FOR CHINA TO BACK OFF ON THIS ISSUE! :headbang:

Naka strike 2 na sila kapag nagkataon, una MISCHIEF REEF, tapos ito Scarborough, ANO ANG SUNOD RECTO BANK at paalisin na tayo sa Malampaya???!!!

xxxxxxxxx Kahit wala tayong armas duduraan ko sila sa mukha!
I AM NOT PINOY, "I AM A FILIPINO" There is a BiG difference!
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TonyStark2020
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Imbecile! They all had their chances and 26 years after, this wouldn't happen under a MARCOS watch..
I AM NOT PINOY, "I AM A FILIPINO" There is a BiG difference!
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AZKALS
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CALM DOWN BROTHER , THERE IS REALLY NOTHING CAN BE DONE AT THIS TIME ... :armycool:


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