Why do we have to muster the support of other countries in the form of joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea where we have our Exclusive Economic Zone?
The ready answer is that we need to forge a united front with other friendly nations in asserting our sovereignty over our EEZ, a concept agreed upon by many countries, including China, in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
China is a signatory to UNCLOS and therefore should uphold its provisions.
But it chooses to anchor its claim to our EEZ on a fictitious 9-dash line (now upgraded to a 10-dash line) covering nearly the whole of the South China Sea.
Another ready answer, and a convincing one, is that we adhere to a rules-based international order, not to one that says might is right.
China has the biggest navy in the world. It also has a Coast Guard that does not hesitate to flex its muscles every time our resupply ships set sail to Ayungin Shoal that’s within our EEZ to deliver fresh provisions to our small contingent deployed aboard the derelict Navy vessel Sierra Madre.
It is entirely correct for our Philippine Coast Guard to insist on asserting Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
And in this endeavor, we can cooperate with other countries to strengthen our hand in asserting maritime claims in WPS.
PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela is on the right track in defending our plan to involve other countries in military capacity-building: “By engaging in military collaborations with other countries that support the rules-based order, the Philippines will not only prevent China’s domination, but also deter its illegal bullying and aggressive behavior.”
France has indicated it would conduct joint patrols with the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. French support for our position on the maritime dispute in the WPS reinforces our legal right to assert sovereign rights there.
India has also served notice that it is willing to hold a joint drill with the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard in the future.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has recognized the significance of stronger partnerships with foreign counterparts, including the United States, Japan, Australia, Republic of Korea and Germany, in developing the PCG and becoming an “organization of world-class guardians of the sea.”
We must spare no effort in getting friendly countries to join us in conducting routine patrols in the WPS as this will demonstrate our firm resolve to assert national sovereignty and territorial integrity as mandated by our Constitution.