Philippines maintains Ayungin Shoal is part of territory following incident with Chinese vessel

Philippine Navy's BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded on Second Thomas or Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea since 1999.

CSIS / AMTI via DigitalGlobe

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs maintained that Ayungin Shoal is part of the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of the Philippines, therefore giving Filipino fishermen the right to “take whatever they are due” while in the area. 

This comes after the Philippine Coast Guard reported that a Chinese Coast Guard vessel (CCGV) drove away a Filipino fishing boat while in the area on January 9, just days after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. went on a state visit to China from January 3 to 5. 

“The department awaits the official reports from the military and our law enforcement agencies on the CCG’s actions to force Filipino fishermen in Ayungin Shoal to leave the area. The reports will serve as basis for diplomatic action on the incident,” the DFA said.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/24/2239879/philippines-maintains-ayungin-shoal-part-territory-following-incident-chinese-vessel