Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the United States Navy May 21, 2015. — U.S. NAVY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS/FILE PHOTO

The Philippines rejects China’s accusation of BRP Sierra Madre’s reef damage in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), asserting that China has caused “incomparable” environmental harms in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

“That kind of a ship cannot possibly cause substantial damage to the ecosystem…. Unlike what China did they destroyed…and pulverized the coral reef to create their artificial island. They created… at least four or five,” Antonio Carpio, a former Associate Justice, said in an interview during an event commemorating the 8th anniversary of the Philippines’ Arbitral Victory at the Hague.

Mr. Carpio’s remarks come in response to a report by Chinese state media, Global Times, which stated that the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal “illegally bleached” and “seriously damaged the diversity, stability and sustainability” of the reef ecosystem in the area.  

He also noted that China’s aggression against the Philippines’ resupply missions has prevented the restoration of the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine military outpost on the contested Ayungin Shoal.  

“It’s because of their own action that we cannot repair the ship,” Mr. Carpio explained.  

On June 17, the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) harassed Philippine troops during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, resulting in one Filipino soldier losing his right thumb.  

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro later confirmed that the CCG deliberately used “an aggressive and illegal use of force” against Filipino troops.  

Jemy Gatdula, Dean of the Institute of Law University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), said that China’s accusations lack sufficient rationale and justification.  

“That’s ridiculous, because actually their activities are the ones who are causing the environmental effects and damages, and the fact that they are intruding is actually making it worse,” Mr. Gatdula said in an interview during the conference.  

Mr. Gatdula believes that the Philippines has sufficient grounds to bring new cases before international courts due to China’s recent aggressive actions and the resulting environmental harm caused. 

“Whether it be under the provisions of UNCLOS… We should make an approach to the United Nations, particularly with regards to the General Assembly, and raise this issue of environmental damage, acts of aggression, and all other violations of international (law) that Chinese (has been) doing,” Mr. Gatdula said. 

He also emphasized that the Philippines’ arbitral victory serves as a reminder for Filipinos to continue efforts to maintain and reclaim territories that China is attempting to seize. – Edg Adrian A. Eva

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