‘NO SIGNS OF LIFE’ | Heavy marine damage seen in areas swarmed by China’s vessels

September 18, 2023 , 10:52 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(September 18, 2023) – Following the alarm sounded by a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday confirmed the heavy destruction of the marine environment in areas of the West Philippine Sea where China’s militia vessels have been frequently spotted.

The PCG posited that the continued swarming of these foreign vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone contributed to the marine devastation.

Based on its monitoring from August 9 to September 11, the PCG said an average of 33 militia vessels were found near Rozul Reef, which is located about 150 nautical miles from Palawan, and around 15 others in Escoda Shoal. The PCG recently conducted underwater surveys there.

“The results of these surveys (on the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal) showed that the marine ecosystem in the subject features appeared lifeless, with minimal to no signs of life,” said PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela in a statement.

Another observation that the PCG made was the presence of crushed corals, which showed the possibility that they “were previously processed and cleaned before being returned to the seabed.”

Tarriela stressed that the marine environment must be preserved not only to sustain marine life but also to support local communities.

“The continued swarming for an indiscriminate illegal and destructive fishing activities of the Chinese maritime militia in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal may have directly caused the degradation and destruction of the marine environment in the West Philippine Sea features,” lamented Tarriela.

Last Saturday, the AFP Western Command (WESCOM) flagged the massive coral harvesting in Rozul Reef, which was likely done by the militia vessels.

“Wala na ‘yung corals at ‘yung mga debris ay nagkalat na” said AFP WESCOM commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, noting that they are also coordinating with marine experts to assess the damages.

Before this, the AFP reported the resurgence of China’s activities in some features of the West Philippine Sea. Aside from Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal, at least two ships of China were seen in Baragatan Bank.

“The Philippines continues to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to safeguard its vital national interests and maintain stability in the region,” said the WESCOM.

Amid these concerning developments, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to conduct a deeper assessment of the marine damage to hold China accountable.

In 2021, Pamalakaya alleged that the Philippines is losing P1.3 trillion annually due to the coral reef destruction done by China in the West Philippine Sea.

“We urge the Marcos administration to take this matter urgently by tapping marine scientists and other experts to extensively assess the damage and its possible long-term implications to the local fishery production,” said Pamalakaya vice chairperson for Luzon Bobby Roldan.

(PM)

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