House probe sought on intrusion of Chinese naval vessel in Sulu Sea

FILE PHOTO: Fishing is a primary source of income for Palawan locals, with two of the largest fishing grounds in the country ― the Sulu Sea on the east coast, and the West Philippine Sea on the west coast. Palawan supplies at least 92 percent of round scad (galunggong) production in the Philippines, a fact that underscores the productivity of the province’s marine resources, according to a 2019 report from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (Photos courtesy of Ivan Cris Romero)

MANILA, Philippines – Three lawmakers are urging the House of Representatives to investigate the recent intrusion of a Chinese naval vessel in the Sulu Sea.

Under House Resolution No. 2528 filed March 20, Bayan Muna Reps. Carlos Isagani Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, and Ferdinand Gaite cited that “the repeated and unwarranted incursions of Chinese vessels into Philippine territory not only raises serious concerns, but, flagrant violations of the country’s national sovereignty and security.”

“These acts brazenly disregard Philippine authority over its territory, thus, these should be condemned and investigated,” the lawmakers said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier reported the illegal entry and stay of a Chinese Navy vessel within Philippine waters, specifically, at the Sulu Sea from January 29 to February 1.

According to the DFA, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) electronic reconnaissance ship with bow number 792 entered the Philippine territory without permission and proceeded as far as the Cuyo Group of Islands in Palawan and Apo Island in Mindoro.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has defended the presence of the Chinese vessel within Philippine waters, claiming it was an “exercise of the right of innocent passage.”

READ: ‘Innocent passage’: China defends ship’s illegal intrusion in Sulu Sea

But the DFA disputed the allegation of innocent passage, noting that the vessel’s track could not be called “continuous and expeditious.”

The Philippine government has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian following the intrusion.

READ: DFA summons Chinese envoy after China Navy’s illegal incursions in Sulu Sea

“Despite the international tribunal court’s ruling in favor of the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea in 2016, Chinese vessels have continued their illegal infusion into Philippine waters and exclusive economic zones,” the Makabayan lawmakers said.

“The Philippines through the DFA has filed numerous diplomatic protests, around 211 filed as of December 2021, against Chinese vessels’ incisions into Philippine territory. Yet, despite these, the illegal Chinese incursions have continued in the West Philippine Sea, and now in other parts of Philippine territory,” they added. — Jericho Zafra, trainee

KGA