Ayungin Shoal: Philippines asserts right, no permission needed for maritime activities

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday reiterated that the Philippines does not need permission from any country to conduct activities at Ayungin Shoal, asserting that the feature lies within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This statement comes in response to accusations by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan that the Philippine side violated a "provisional agreement" between the two nations. Ambassador Quan claimed there was an agreement between Manila and Beijing prohibiting construction in the disputed waters. However, the DFA stressed that Ayungin Shoal is situated within the Philippines' EEZ. "The Philippines alone holds the sovereign right to authorize any structure there, and Philippine vessels do not require permission to sail to Ayungin," the DFA stated. The DFA slammed attempts to "mischaracterize" Ayungin Shoal and the Provisional Understanding on the Rotation and Resupply (RORE) Mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy landing ship tank deliberately grounded at Ayungin Shoal to serve as an outpost. The department explained that the agreement was solely made to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations during RORE missions. It clarified that the understanding was not a grant or request for permission from any foreign government, did not recognize any foreign jurisdiction over Philippine waters, and was agreed upon with the express understanding that it would not prejudice national positions. The Philippines does not need permission from any country to undertake RORE missions, the DFA added. Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, while stating he was unaware of the agreement mentioned by Ambassador Quan, dismissed its relevance, saying, "They have no concern about what we do in our own territory." Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Jay Tarriela, affirmed that no agreement justifies the China Coast Guard's policing of Philippine waters. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned Ambassador Quan to Malacañang Palace to discuss the incident and raise national security concerns. Presidential Press Officer Claire Castro questioned what agreement Ambassador Quan was citing, suggesting he should present it if one exists. Castro also alluded to a controversial "secret deal" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and the Chinese government, a deal whose existence and terms President Marcos Jr. has questioned due to the lack of written records.