The expanded missions reflect a move by Manila to close long-standing coordination gaps between military and civilian agencies, particularly after Beijing recently declared a “marine protected area” at Scarborough Shoal, a flashpoint in the two countries’ maritime dispute, according to analysts.
The National Maritime Council (NMC), a new body created last year, is coordinating the campaign. Undersecretary Alexander Lopez told reporters the patrols were part of joint efforts by the Philippine military, the Philippine coastguard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to assert their presence in the West Philippine Sea – Manila’s name for South China Sea waters within its exclusive economic zone.
“With our assets deployed, we were able to cover three times more of the West Philippine Sea because of the vessels and aircraft we deployed. We have covered the West Philippine Sea quite abundantly,” Lopez said.
Referring to recent developments in the disputed waters, analysts have noted that China continues to expand its maritime activities in the region despite the 2016 arbitral ruling that nullified its nine-dash line claim.
“Given that the [Philippine] primary troops in the quest have already given their all, but to no avail, it is about time that we engage further with other agencies and departments,” Josue Raphael Cortez, a full-time faculty member at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, told This Week in Asia.
