MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is ready to “take law enforcement measures” against illegal fishing and encroachment in its waters, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday, as more Chinese fishing boats are expected to arrive in the West Philippine Sea following China’s lifting of its annual fishing ban.
DFA spokesperson Maria Teresita Daza made the pronouncement as a flotilla of Chinese vessels fanned out across the South China Sea to resume fishing activities after Beijing lifted its fishing ban on Aug.15.
“We do not recognize China’s fishing ban. This has been the subject of our diplomatic protests and we will continue to register our formal opposition to it,” Daza said.
She said it is China that is fishing illegally and encroaching in Philippine territorial waters.
“It is an illegal exercise of state authority in so far as they cover the Philippines’ maritime zones,” Daza said, referring to China’s fishing ban.
She said the DFA is urging China “to take active measures at port to prevent its fishing fleets from encroaching into our territorial sea and EEZ (exclusive economic zone).”
China imposes an annual fishing ban in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, from the months of June to August.
Chinese maritime militia vessels, disguised as fishing vessels, are a common sight in the West Philippine Sea.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported the presence of more than 400 foreign vessels within the country’s EEZ last week.
The military is now looking at deploying its own maritime militia boats in the country’s territorial waters by training and utilizing local fishermen.