Lawmaker calls for joint patrols in West Phl Sea

MANILA, Philippines - Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares called yesterday for joint patrols that would include the Philippines and other claimants in the disputed islets, shoals and reefs in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.

He made the call in the wake of reports that China would soon build structures in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales and Pangasinan.

The shoal is a traditional fishing ground of fishermen from the two provinces, who call it Bajo de Masinloc.

“This is very alarming and we must act immediately. We should deploy Coast Guard vessels in the area and encourage our fishermen to actively report the presence of Chinese vessels in Panatag  Shoal. We should also push for joint patrols with other affected countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei because this is a bigger deterrent to China’s plan,” he said.

“Panatag Shoal is one of the richest fishing grounds of our fishermen and it would be very devastating for their livelihood as well as our economy if the Chinese build structures there,” he said.

Chinese Coast Guard ships are reportedly frequently patrolling the area and shooing away Filipino fishermen with water canons.

Colmenares said China’s building binge in the disputed territories was “further aggravating the tension in the region and they should stop it.”

“Last February, they set up surface to air missile launchers in Woody Island, which is part of the Paracels claimed by Vietnam. If left unquestioned, China may deploy missiles in Philippine territory,” he said.

“We are one with the Vietnamese people as well as other affected countries in this fight. A threat to them is a threat to the Philippines. The international community should now step in so as to de-escalate tensions and we hope that the international arbitral tribunal at The Hague will decide soon the case filed by the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea issue,” he said.

He pointed out that China has completed reclamation projects “in at least seven of our reefs: Panganiban (Mischief), Mabini (Johnson South), Gavin (Gaven), Calderon (Cuarteron), Hughes (Kennan), Malvar (Eldad) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) reefs.