Wescom alarmed by Chinese militia activity, coral damage in WPS

The Western Command (Wescom) has expressed alarm over the heightened presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels and extensive damage to marine life and corals at Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) found visible discoloration in the coral and minimal to no signs of other marine life in areas frequented by Chinese militia.

These findings support an earlier suspicion by Wescom commander Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos that Chinese vessels were illegally harvesting coral.

Between August 9 and September 11, the PCG monitored some 33 Chinese maritime militia boats near Rozul Reef and 15 boats near Escoda Shoal, all within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed serious concern over the alleged destruction and harvesting of corals in the West Philippine Sea by foreign entities.

The Philippines and the United States have expressed concern over the harvesting of corals in the Rozul (Iroquios) Reef and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, which was believed to be conducted by personnel of foreign vessels, as they said the livelihood of the people is at stake.

China's embassy in Manila has no comment on the issue, though it warned against disinformation.