MANILA, Philippines - As China continued to display its aggressive stance in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said yesterday he would seek “reaffirmation” from the United States on its commitment to come to the country’s aid if shots are fired and the Philippines’ sovereignty is threatened.
“The US had stated last year that they will honor their commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). Yes, I will seek a reaffirmation,” Del Rosario told The STAR before leaving for the US yesterday morning to participate in the first 2+2 dialogue.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also revealed yesterday the report from Coast Guard Commandant Vice Admiral Edmund Tan regarding the “bullying” incident that happened between a Chinese fisheries command vessel and two Coast Guard search and rescue vessels near the entrance of Panatag Shoal yesterday morning.
Citing Tan’s report, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said that the Chinese vessel approached the BRP Pampanga 003 and later the BRP Edsa 002, generating a 2-meter wave but no damage was inflicted on the Philippine ships, which did not react to the “bullying.”
Tan added that the actions of the Chinese vessel were properly documented.
The DFA stressed, “These maneuvers by the Chinese vessel posed a danger to the Philippine vessels which could mean a violation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions of Ships at Sea (COLREGs).”
The DFA said on Friday that China had dispatched more vessels as 10 Chinese vessels were sighted in the area.
The DFA also received reports that seven Chinese fishing boats were also spotted inside the lagoon.
Read the full story at The Philippine Star