Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
The Philippines’ determination in maintaining its presence at Ayungin Shoal is not just about a piece of land or maritime territory.
Don’t look now, but a piece of junk rusting away in the middle of a contested shoal stands proud as a symbol of a nation’s resolute stand to assert its territorial rights.
Yes, whether we like it or not, the BRP Sierra Madre, deliberately grounded there in 1999, carries a profound significance for the Philippines in its quest to keep its sovereignty in the face of an ambitious challenge from an aggressive neighbor in the West Philippine Sea.
Fighting boredom just to keep the country’s presence at the shoal — that is also claimed by China by so-called historical right — are Filipino marines no more than a platoon strong who are keeping watch from the aging naval vessel converted into a makeshift military outpost.
The West Philippine Sea is an area of immense strategic and economic importance to the Philippines.
It encompasses a vast expanse of maritime territory rich in natural resources, vital to the nation’s growth and development. Amid the complex geopolitical dynamics that characterize this region, the BRP Sierra Madre has become a controversial structure atop Ayungin Shoal.
The decommissioned former US Navy tank landing ship is proving to be a hindrance to Beijing’s efforts to annex the controversial sea feature also known as Second Thomas Shoal. Removing it by force would set in motion the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States and we all know what that means.
Why do you think China is so interested in occupying the shoal they named Ren’ai?
The shoal is a pivotal feature within the West Philippine Sea. It is situated approximately 105 nautical miles from the coast of Palawan, well within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone as defined by international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The strategic importance of Ayungin Shoal cannot be overstated. It serves as a natural gateway to the broader Kalayaan Island Group, which includes several other reefs, atolls, and islands that are integral to the Philippines’ sovereignty and territorial integrity in the region.
In this context, therefore, the BRP Sierra Madre plays a crucial role. The decision to deploy the BRP Sierra Madre to this location was a bold assertion of the Philippines’ territorial rights, serving as a physical manifestation of its sovereign claim in the face of aggressive territorial expansion by its neighbor.
The symbolism of the BRP Sierra Madre extends beyond its physical presence. It embodies the spirit of Philippine resilience and the steadfast defense of its sovereign rights.
Despite the vessel’s deteriorating condition due to the harsh marine environment, the Filipino soldiers stationed aboard continue to maintain their presence, demonstrating the Philippines’ commitment to safeguarding its interests in the West Philippine Sea.
This dedication, often in challenging conditions, has drawn international attention to the Philippines’ determination to uphold the rule of law and protect its territorial integrity.
The Philippines’ stance in the West Philippine Sea is not about asserting dominance over other nations, but rather about safeguarding its rightful interests in accordance with established international norms.
UNCLOS, to which both the Philippines and China, among others, are parties, provides a clear framework for resolving maritime disputes. The Philippines has consistently advocated for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the West Philippine Sea, seeking to engage in dialogue and multilateral negotiations to find a resolution that respects the rights of all nations involved.
The BRP Sierra Madre, as a symbol of Philippine sovereignty, also underscores the need for international support and solidarity. The Philippines does not stand alone in its effort to defend its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. It relies on the principles of international law and the support of its allies and partners.
A peaceful and stable West Philippine Sea is in the interest of the international community, as it ensures freedom of navigation, promotes regional stability, and upholds the rules-based international order.
The BRP Sierra Madre serves as a poignant reminder that sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental principles that every nation must uphold. It calls upon the international community to respect the legitimate claims of nations based on established rules and norms.
The Philippines’ determination in maintaining its presence at Ayungin Shoal is not just about a piece of land or maritime territory. It is about defending the rule of law, promoting regional stability, and safeguarding the rights of nations, large and small.
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Credit belongs to: tribune.net.ph
