DACUTAN, JAIRAH
Title: Philippines Protests China’s Aggressive Actions in the South China Sea
Asia Pacific, Philippines summons China diplomat over ‘aggressive’ actions in South
China Sea; By Bernard Orr, Liz Lee and Karen Lema
Argument Statements:
™Philippines’ Protest: The Philippines summoned China’s deputy chief of mission to protest
the “aggressive actions” of Chinese naval forces against a resupply mission for Filipino
troops stationed at a shoal in the South China Sea.
✓The Philippine foreign ministry demanded the immediate withdrawal of Chinese vessels
from the vicinity of Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal).
✓China’s Response: China accused the Philippines of illegally entering waters adjacent to
Second Thomas Shoal (Renai Reef) and claimed it had to take control measures.
✓U.S. Condemnation: The United States condemned China’s actions, describing them as
“provocative” and showing a “reckless disregard” for the safety of Filipinos and
international law.
Evidence Statements:
✓Harassment and Blockade: Philippine vessels conducting a routine mission at Second
Thomas Shoal were harassed and blocked by Chinese maritime militia and coast guard
ships.
✓Use of Water Cannons: Chinese coast guard ships fired water cannons, breaking the
windshield of one resupply boat and causing minor injuries to at least four crew members.
✓Collision Incident: The reckless and illegal actions of Chinese forces led to a collision
between a Chinese and a Philippine vessel, causing minor structural damage to the latter.
✓Diplomatic Summons: The Philippines summoned China’s deputy chief of mission to
convey their protest and demand the withdrawal of Chinese vessels.
✓U.S. Defense Treaty: The U.S. State Department reiterated that the U.S.-Philippines
Mutual Defense Treaty covers armed attacks on Philippine vessels anywhere in the South
China Sea.
TINDUGAN, SHEILA
Title: “China’s Aggressive Actions in the West Philippine Sea: Water Cannon Attacks
and Maritime Clashes”
Arguments:
✓China again fires water cannons at Philippine ships in the West Philippine Sea but fails to
disrupt the mission.
✓In another aggressive move, Chinese vessels targeted two Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships with water cannons in the contested waters of Bajo de
Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), according to the Philippine Navy’s report on October 8.
✓On August 31, 2024, the Philippines and China accused each other of intentionally
ramming coast guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea, following their fifth
maritime clash in a month. The Philippines claimed China deliberately hit its ship, while
China asserted that the Philippine vessel was responsible.
Evidence:
✓Chinese Coast Guard ships sprayed water cannons during an encounter with a Philippine
government boat on its way to the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on December
9, 2023.
✓The Philippine Coast Guard has reported harassment of Philippine resupply missions in
the West Philippine Sea as well as damage to marine habitats, like coral reefs, due to
swarming by Chinese ships.
✓A damaged Philippine navy boat with its side floaters slashed and deflated, and another
boat with its windshields and navigational screens shattered.
✓A man displays a damaged cellphone. Some of the Chinese pointed their knives at the
Filipino navy personnel.
✓“We are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment and we’re also
demanding that they pay for the damage they caused,” Gen. Romeo Brawler Jr., head of the
Philippine armed forces, said in a news conference in western Palawan province, where he
pinned a medal on the wounded navy officer123.
SANTELICES, JAKE
Title: “Ecological Damage in the West Philippine Sea Due to China’s Militarization:
Scientists’ Warnings”
Arguments:
✓China’s militarization in the disputed South China Sea, also known as the West Philippine
Sea, is causing significant harm to 1.8 million Filipinos living in coastal areas.
✓Activities such as massive clamshell harvesting, illegal and overfishing, and underwater
oil and gas exploration by China have long been warned by marine scientists to be
damaging the environment.
Evidence: (PIOQUID, JERVIN)
✓In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Attorney Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of
Oceana, a nonprofit ocean conservation organization, stated that the impact on the marine
environment and livelihood is mostly felt by the municipal fishing sector, which depends on
the West Philippine Sea’s fisheries to survive.
✓ China has made it more difficult for local fisherfolk to access fishing areas in recent
years as tensions continue to rise.
✓In 2019, UP-MSI estimated that the country is losing about PHP 33.1 billion (US$681.4
million) annually due to reef ecosystem damage in the disputed area.
✓Data from Sea Around Us’ Annual Fish Catch in the West Philippine Sea showed that fish
stock increased in 2010 by 732,110 tons but has been declining since then. Combating
illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing will further greatly reduce the negative
impacts on the ocean. Oceana strongly advocates for protecting marine habitats and
supporting the right of artisanal fisherfolk to have preferential access to their fishing
grounds.
✓China’s activities indicate that all their actions are illegal and harmful to the environment,
such as underwater oil and gas exploration and many others.
ANDRADE, JOSHUA
Title: “China Coast Guard Harassment of Filipino Fisherfolk in Recto Bank.
Arguments: (CONMIGO, JOHNLORD)
China Coast Guard harasses Filipino fisherfolk in Recto Bank.
By BEA CUPIN “Hindi parin ba tayo lalaban kung sa sariling bansa at lupa natin ay inaapi
tayo anong silbi ng mga bayaning tumulong at nag ligtas satin kung tayo naman di natin
kayang ipaglaban yung sariling nating bansa at teretoryo.”
Evidence: (ANDRADE, JOSHUA)
✓Two China Coast Guard ships harass Filipino fisherfolk and Philippine Coast Guard and
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ships during a mission to Rozul Reef.
✓Filipino fisherfolk were harassed by two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships as they installed
payaos or local fish aggregating devices in the vicinity of Recto Bank in the West Philippine
Sea on Thursday, April 4.
✓CCG personnel appeared to position in front of their ship’s water cannon, sailing close to
much-smaller boats and trying to chase away the smaller Filipino fishing boats.
✓Two China Coast Guard ships monitored and harassed much-smaller Filipino fishing
boats as they installed payaos in Recto Bank on April 4, 2024.
✓This harassment occurred despite the presence of, and radio challenges from, vessels of
the PCG and the BFAR which had accompanied 25 fisherfolk to install 10 payaos in Rozul
Reef.
✓Rappler was among several media outfits that joined the four-day mission to Recto Bank.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the PCG for the West Philippine Sea, stated in a
press briefing on Saturday, April 6, that the harassment is an obvious indication that the
China Coast Guard never hesitates to harass even ordinary fishermen.
PURA, JEFFERSON
Title: “Decline in Fisheries Production Due to China’s Destruction of Coral Reefs in the
West Philippine Sea”
Arguments:
✓The country faces a decline in fisheries production due to China’s destruction of at least
21,000 acres of coral reefs in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), as highlighted by a study
conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
✓The immediate effect of the destruction of coral reefs and the devastation of fish habitats
is the decline in fish production, which could lead to the extinction of fish species
dependent on coral reefs.
Evidence:
✓UP-MSI assistant professor Mike Atrigeneo explained in a radio interview that fish species
such as lapu-lapu and maya-maya, which are associated with live corals, are facing
extinction due to habitat loss. Many fish eat directly from the corals, and without corals,
fish catch declines, impacting fisheries economically.
✓The study conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed that
China’s activities have caused massive damage to the marine environment in the WPS123.
BERNALES, JERIMIE
Title: “Risks of Joint Exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea: Sovereignty,
Security, and Environmental Concerns”
Arguments:
✓The Philippines should refrain from pursuing a joint exploration with China in the West
Philippine Sea because it poses significant risks to the Philippines’ sovereignty, security,
and adherence to international law.
✓Sovereignty Concerns: If the Philippines engages in joint exploration with China, it might
be seen as accepting China’s claims over parts of the West Philippine Sea. This could
weaken the Philippines’ stance on its own rights and make it harder to assert control over
its waters and resources. In short, it risks giving China more influence and power in a region
that the Philippines considers its own.
✓ Security Risks: Collaborating with China may compromise the Philippines’ national
security. Given China’s aggressive military presence and actions in the region, a joint
venture could expose Philippine assets and personnel to potential risks or conflicts. This
partnership might make the Philippines more vulnerable to tensions or conflicts in the
region, especially given China’s history of assertiveness. Essentially, it could put the
Philippines in a risky position regarding its national security.
Evidence: (MENDOZA, JIMRESTIE)
✓Arbitral Ruling: The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration affirmed that the
Philippines has sovereign rights over its EEZ (exclusive economic zone) in the West
Philippine Sea.
✓China’s Aggressive Expansion: China has been involved in militarization and reclamation
activities in the region, as evidenced by the construction of military outposts on artificial
islands. This aggressive posture raises concerns about national security for the Philippines.
✓Environmental Degradation: China’s resource extraction practices have often led to
significant environmental damage. For example, the destruction of coral reefs due to
reclamation projects has detrimental effects on marine biodiversity, which could harm
local fishing communities.
✓Public Opinion: Many Filipinos are concerned about China’s intentions and oppose joint
exploration, fearing it could lead to more control by China over their waters.
✓Impact on Fisherfolk: Joint exploration could restrict local fishermen from accessing
traditional fishing areas, hurting their livelihoods and food security. Specifically, China has
previously harassed Filipino fishermen and taken control of areas in the sea, raising
concerns about its trustworthiness as a partner.
SION, JOHN MELVIN
Title: “Legal and Environmental Violations by China in the West Philippine Sea”
Arguments:
✓On July 12, 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal favored the Philippines on all of its submissions,
which means all of China’s historical claims, such as the 9-dash line, have no legal basis.
Evidence:
✓UNCLOS Article 194 (Marine Environmental Protection): According to CNN news in 2020,
Chinese fishing vessels damaged coral reefs and harmed marine life due to dynamite
fishing. In the same year, according to the Manila Times, the Philippine Coast Guard
reported Chinese vessels dumping human waste and trash in Philippine waters.
✓Republic Act No. 8371 Section 3 (Indigenous Peoples Rights Act): In 2020, according to
ABS-CBN news, Chinese fishing vessels disregarded the indigenous fishing rights of
Filipinos, displacing Filipino fishermen.
✓Republic Act No. 9522 (Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law): According to the
Philippine Star in 2020, Chinese vessels entered and conducted activities in Philippine
waters without permission, violating Section 3. Additionally, China disregarded the
Philippines’ archipelagic baselines law, violating Section 2 by building an artificial island
within the Philippine exclusive economic zone from 2013 to 2015.
✓Philippine Constitution (Article XII Section 2): In 2018, the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported an influx of Chinese fishing vessels in Philippine
waters. These vessels were observed using destructive fishing practices, such as bottom
trawling and dynamite fishing.
SARABOSING , REYNALDO
Title: Environmental Accountability and Stewardship in the West Philippine Sea
Argument Statements:
Attorney Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president, Oceana:
✓The West Philippine Sea is crucial for the Philippines, containing 30% of the country’s
coral reef area and contributing significantly to commercial fisheries production.
✓Senator Risa Hontiveros emphasizes the importance of seeking environmental damages
from China to address the economic crisis and support environmental stewardship.
✓The call for China to pay for environmental damages highlights the need for
accountability and responsible behavior on an international scale.
✓Senator Risa Hontiveros: Advocates for China to pay for environmental damages caused
in the West Philippine Sea.
Emphasizes the potential economic benefits for the Philippines if China pays for the
damages.
✓Ramos: Stresses the importance of addressing the long-term impacts of militarization
and overfishing on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Evidence Statements:
✓Geographical and Ecological Importance:
The West Philippine Sea stretches from the west coast of Luzon, Mindoro, and Palawan
towards the Scarborough Shoal and the Kalayaan Island Group.
✓The Kalayaan Island Group alone accounts for 30% of the total coral reef area in the
country (3,257.70 km²).
✓It hosts about 500 species of coral reef fish and important food fishes, contributing to
about 20% of the country’s annual commercial fisheries production.
✓Legal and Government Actions:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is working with the Office of the Solicitor General to
prepare an environmental damage case against China.
✓DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano mentioned that the complaint and evidence
attachments are expected to be completed in a few weeks.
Environmental Damage Observations:
✓In May, the Philippine Coast Guard discovered crushed corals in Pag-asa (Thitu) Island
and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, indicating possible reclamation or island-building activities.
✓Legislative Actions: Senator Risa Hontiveros filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 804 to
seek payment for environmental damages from China.
Hontiveros argues that China’s payment for damages could significantly aid the
Philippines’ economic crisis.
“We should seek payment for damages caused by China in the West Philippine Sea. We
will get billions if China is forced to pay. They are already robbing our fishermen of their
jobs, they are even destroying our natural resources. If China can pay off all its debts to the
Philippines, it will definitely help in the economic crisis we are facing,” Hontiveros said in a
press release.
✓Statements from Ramos:Ramos supports the call for environmental damages,
emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
She notes that funds from China could help secure better security for the Philippines and
rehabilitate damaged coral reefs.
SION, JOHN MELVIN
TITTLE: GMA News Online: Soldier Awarded After Losing Thumb Due to Attack by China
Coast Guard Uploaded on June 19, 2024, 09:11 PM
ARGUMENTS: The main reason for the incident involving Jeffrey Facundo, a Philippine Navy
personnel, was the aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard (CCG) during a resupply
mission at Ayungin Shoal. Facundo lost his thumb due to the violent harassment by the
CCG, who allegedly used bladed weapons and axes to damage the inflatable boat of the
Philippine Navy.
A negative position or statement regarding China’s impulsive actions could be that these
actions are seen as deliberate, aggressive, and illegal. The Philippine Defense Secretary,
Gilbert Teodoro, emphasized that the incident was not a misunderstanding or an accident
but a deliberate and hostile act by the China Coast Guard.
EVIDENCE:
The incident involving Jeffrey Facundo, a Philippine Navy sailor who lost his thumb due to
an attack by the China Coast Guard, has sparked strong negative opinions among Filipinos
regarding China’s actions. Many view this as a clear violation of Philippine sovereignty and
an aggressive act that undermines peace and stability in the region.
A common sentiment is that China’s actions are not only impulsive but also deliberate and
hostile. This incident is seen as part of a broader pattern of aggressive behavior by China in
the West Philippine Sea, which many Filipinos believe is intended to intimidate and assert
control over disputed territories.
Such actions are perceived as a direct threat to the Philippines’ territorial integrity and
sovereignty, leading to calls for stronger international condemnation and support for the
Philippines’ stance against China’s aggressive maneuvers.
DACUTAN, JAIRAH
Title: Philippine Laws for Marine Conservation and Protection that China’s Law’s
Violented.
Argument Statements:
✓Republic Act No. 10654: Aims to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and
unregulated fishing.
Prohibits the collection, possession, transport, sale, or export of coral sand, coral
fragments, and other parts of the marine habitat.
✓Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998): Establishes rules for the
conservation and management of the Philippines’ marine resources. Includes provisions
banning destructive fishing methods such as the use of dynamite and cyanide.
✓Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act):
Aims to protect the country’s wildlife resources, including marine species and their
habitats like coral reefs.
✓Republic Act No. 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992):
Establishes protected areas to maintain biodiversity and protect critical ecosystems,
including coral reefs.
Evidence Statements:
✓Republic Act No. 10654: This act targets illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. An
example of China’s impulsive actions includes the destruction of coral reefs by Chinese
fishing vessels using illegal methods such as dredging and harvesting giant clams, which
involves breaking apart coral reefs to extract the clams.
✓Republic Act No. 8550: This act sets conservation and management rules for marine
resources and bans destructive fishing methods like dynamite and cyanide fishing.
Chinese fishermen have been reported using cyanide and dynamite fishing in the West
Philippine Sea, causing extensive damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
✓Republic Act No. 9147: This act protects wildlife resources, including marine species and
coral reefs. China’s construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea has led to the
destruction of vast areas of coral reefs, which are critical habitats for marine wildlife.
✓Republic Act No. 7586: This act establishes protected areas to preserve biodiversity and
protect critical ecosystems, including coral reefs. China’s activities, such as building
military installations on reclaimed land, have severely damaged protected marine areas,
undermining efforts to conserve biodiversity.
These actions not only violate Philippine laws but also threaten the ecological balance and
sustainability of marine resources in the region.
