PH: We are determined to pursue case vs China - Institute for Maritime and Ocean Affairs

MANILA — Amid another incident in the Ayungin Shoal on Saturday, the Philippines said it will not be stopped from pursuing a case against China before an arbitral tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The country will file Sunday its “memorial” – or written arguments – justifying its indisputable sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In an interview with radio dzMM, newly installed Foreign Affairs Spokesman Charles Jose said, “We are determined to continue the case” amid the incident in the Ayungin Shoal on Saturday afternoon, wherein two Chinese Coast Guard vessels again tried to block a civilian ship used by the government to transport food and supplies to Filipino soldiers stationed there.

The Marines onboard the civilian vessel defied the orders from China not to enter the shoal.

Over at radio dzRB, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said, “We will not be unfazed in pursuing a diplomatic route to resolve [the tensions].”