From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 12): Army, NPA rebels clash anew in Surigao Norte
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - A firefight between the Philippine Army and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels occurred on Saturday afternoon, July 9 in barangay Tinago, Malimono, this province.
After ten minutes of intense firefight, the soldiers conducting pursuit operation discovered an encampment with 27 molotov bombs, one gallon of betadine (antiseptic) and two pairs of rainboots.
The said encampment can accommodate 60 individuals and has 15 makeshift bunkers and based on the trackings the said encampment has been abandoned for one day.
Civil Military Operations officer Lt. Ryan D. Layug of the 30th Infantry Battalion, Phil. Army confirmed that no casualty on the government side but they believed that there were wounded on the lawless group as traces of blood were found on their withdrawal route.
In his statement, 30IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Rico Amaro thanked the locals for timely report of information and that another terroristic plan was prevented because of community participation.
Amaro further said that people are starting to understand that security is everyone's responsibility.
"We appeal to lawless group to turn their wounded comrades to barangay officials or bring them to the nearest hospital for proper medical treatment. We reiterated that the conduct of pursuit is to apprehend the perpetrators and aid the wounded," Amaro said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2731468249515/army-npa-rebels-clash-anew-in-surigao-norte
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
PP16’s ENCAP benefits grade schools of Albay
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 12): PP16’s ENCAP benefits grade schools of Albay
Weeks of hard work finally paid off for the US Navy’s Construction Battalion (USCB) after seeing the thankful faces of the pupils of Kinawitan Elementary School. Last July 8, worn out but satisfied, the “SeaBees” (USCB) were among those who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the classrooms they constructed in the said school.
“This is what we’re here for, we do it for the kids,” said USN Capt. Brian Vickers, the project manager for the Engineering and Civic Assistance Program (ENCAP), one of the main humanitarian programs constituting the 2016 Pacific Partnership (PP16) missions.
The ENCAP aims to enhance friendship, capacity and cooperation among allied nations by initiating construction projects that will benefit underprivileged communities.
Though the main continent body arrived in the Philippines last June 27, members of the “SeaBees” (USCB) have already been in the country as early as the middle of May to begin the constructions of school facilities. Three schools of Albay has been chosen to be beneficiaries of the ENCAP, namely Kinawitan Elementary School and Mabini Elementary School of Daraga, and Comun Elementary School of Camalig.
During the ribbon-cutting and turn-over rites of the new school building in Kinawitan Elementary, Capt. Vickers and his men were all smiles with what they have accomplished. Going above and beyond their initial plan, they also conducted renovations and repair on other buildings of the school.
“The original plan was just to build the new classrooms. But, when we saw the conditions of the other building, we had to do something,” said Vickers, referring a classroom with a rotten off roof which they replaced with a new steel roof.
Cutting the ribbon for the said ceremony is Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, commander of the US Navy’s Joint Region Marianas and the only female of Bicolano-descent to be of the said rank in the US Navy. On her speech, Bolivar said that she could only hope the classrooms lasts for a long time as it serves as a testament that much could be achieved through cooperation and love for the common good.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301468227605/pp16-s-encap-benefits-grade-schools-of-albay
Weeks of hard work finally paid off for the US Navy’s Construction Battalion (USCB) after seeing the thankful faces of the pupils of Kinawitan Elementary School. Last July 8, worn out but satisfied, the “SeaBees” (USCB) were among those who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the classrooms they constructed in the said school.
“This is what we’re here for, we do it for the kids,” said USN Capt. Brian Vickers, the project manager for the Engineering and Civic Assistance Program (ENCAP), one of the main humanitarian programs constituting the 2016 Pacific Partnership (PP16) missions.
The ENCAP aims to enhance friendship, capacity and cooperation among allied nations by initiating construction projects that will benefit underprivileged communities.
Though the main continent body arrived in the Philippines last June 27, members of the “SeaBees” (USCB) have already been in the country as early as the middle of May to begin the constructions of school facilities. Three schools of Albay has been chosen to be beneficiaries of the ENCAP, namely Kinawitan Elementary School and Mabini Elementary School of Daraga, and Comun Elementary School of Camalig.
During the ribbon-cutting and turn-over rites of the new school building in Kinawitan Elementary, Capt. Vickers and his men were all smiles with what they have accomplished. Going above and beyond their initial plan, they also conducted renovations and repair on other buildings of the school.
“The original plan was just to build the new classrooms. But, when we saw the conditions of the other building, we had to do something,” said Vickers, referring a classroom with a rotten off roof which they replaced with a new steel roof.
Cutting the ribbon for the said ceremony is Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, commander of the US Navy’s Joint Region Marianas and the only female of Bicolano-descent to be of the said rank in the US Navy. On her speech, Bolivar said that she could only hope the classrooms lasts for a long time as it serves as a testament that much could be achieved through cooperation and love for the common good.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3301468227605/pp16-s-encap-benefits-grade-schools-of-albay
Phl Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard to hold bilateral exercise
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 12): Phl Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard to hold bilateral exercise
The coast guards of Philippines and Japan will jointly hold a maritime exercise Wednesday, July 13 at the vicinity waters off Manila Bay.
The Japan Coast Guard vessel PHL02 Tsugaru arrived and docked yesterday at the Manila South Harbor for the 6th Joint Maritime Law Enforcement (MARLEN) Exercise together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The joint exercise will focus on combating piracy and armed robbery at sea. It aims to further enhance the capabilities of PCG and JCG to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea, to acquire knowledge and skills in conducting airlift rescue operations, and to established friendship and mutual understanding between JCG and PCG and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
Delegates of PCG’s Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command together with other government law enforcement agencies will participate in the activity, with observers from Malaysia, Australia and USA.
PHL02 Tsugaru will participate in the activity with their assets which include a helicopter (Helicopter Bell 412) and rigid hull inflatable boat for board, search and seizure procedure. Likewise, the PCG will also deploy its floating and air assets to take part in the joint exercise.
The Japan Coast Guard vessel is a 105.40-meter crude oil tanker of 3,324 GT, owned by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport based at Hakodate Coast Guard Office in Tokyo, Japan.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241468223964/phl-coast-guard-japan-coast-guard-to-hold-bilateral-exercise
The coast guards of Philippines and Japan will jointly hold a maritime exercise Wednesday, July 13 at the vicinity waters off Manila Bay.
The Japan Coast Guard vessel PHL02 Tsugaru arrived and docked yesterday at the Manila South Harbor for the 6th Joint Maritime Law Enforcement (MARLEN) Exercise together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The joint exercise will focus on combating piracy and armed robbery at sea. It aims to further enhance the capabilities of PCG and JCG to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea, to acquire knowledge and skills in conducting airlift rescue operations, and to established friendship and mutual understanding between JCG and PCG and other Law Enforcement Agencies.
Delegates of PCG’s Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command together with other government law enforcement agencies will participate in the activity, with observers from Malaysia, Australia and USA.
PHL02 Tsugaru will participate in the activity with their assets which include a helicopter (Helicopter Bell 412) and rigid hull inflatable boat for board, search and seizure procedure. Likewise, the PCG will also deploy its floating and air assets to take part in the joint exercise.
The Japan Coast Guard vessel is a 105.40-meter crude oil tanker of 3,324 GT, owned by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport based at Hakodate Coast Guard Office in Tokyo, Japan.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241468223964/phl-coast-guard-japan-coast-guard-to-hold-bilateral-exercise
Shoe Box Project, inilunsad ng Army Artillery Regiment sa Nueva Ecija
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 12): Shoe Box Project, inilunsad ng Army Artillery Regiment sa Nueva Ecija (Shoebox Project, launched by the Army Artillery Regiment in Nueva Ecija)
Inilunsad nitong nakaraang Biyernes ng Army Artillery Regiment o AAR ang “Shoe Box Ko, Kinabukasan Mo Project” para sa mga kapus-palad na mag-aaral sa Nueva Ecija.
Ayon kay AAR Commander Colonel Erwin De Asis, ito ay sinimulang programa ng Philippine Army na layong maabot at makaagapay sa mga pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral sa kanayunan.
Dito aniya ay naimumulat sa mga estudyante ang kahalagahan ng sigasig at sigla sa pag-aaral gayundin ay naipakikita ang kagandahang asal mula sa pagbibigayan at pakikipagbayanihan.
Dagdag pa ni De Asis, ang bawat kahon ng sapatos ay naglalaman ng mga gamit pangeskwela gaya ng notebook, lapis, ballpen, krayola, at sinamahan pa ng mga pansariling kagamitan tulad ng damit, toothbrush, sabon at iba pa na makatutulong sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na pagpasok sa eskwela.
Nauna ng nabahagian ang nasa 400 mag-aaral mula sa Buklod Palad National High School, Kalikasan at Minalungao Elementary School na magtutuloy-tuloy sa iba pang mga paaralan hanggang ngayong Linggo at sa Lunes, ika-25 ng Hulyo.
Bilang payo sa mga mag-aaral ay sinabi ni De Asis na magsilbi nawa itong inspirasyon upang mapabuti nila ang kanilang pag-aaral at umunlad ang pamumuhay.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1961468226378/shoe-box-project-inilunsad-ng-army-artillery-regiment-sa-nueva-ecija
Inilunsad nitong nakaraang Biyernes ng Army Artillery Regiment o AAR ang “Shoe Box Ko, Kinabukasan Mo Project” para sa mga kapus-palad na mag-aaral sa Nueva Ecija.
Ayon kay AAR Commander Colonel Erwin De Asis, ito ay sinimulang programa ng Philippine Army na layong maabot at makaagapay sa mga pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral sa kanayunan.
Dito aniya ay naimumulat sa mga estudyante ang kahalagahan ng sigasig at sigla sa pag-aaral gayundin ay naipakikita ang kagandahang asal mula sa pagbibigayan at pakikipagbayanihan.
Dagdag pa ni De Asis, ang bawat kahon ng sapatos ay naglalaman ng mga gamit pangeskwela gaya ng notebook, lapis, ballpen, krayola, at sinamahan pa ng mga pansariling kagamitan tulad ng damit, toothbrush, sabon at iba pa na makatutulong sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na pagpasok sa eskwela.
Nauna ng nabahagian ang nasa 400 mag-aaral mula sa Buklod Palad National High School, Kalikasan at Minalungao Elementary School na magtutuloy-tuloy sa iba pang mga paaralan hanggang ngayong Linggo at sa Lunes, ika-25 ng Hulyo.
Bilang payo sa mga mag-aaral ay sinabi ni De Asis na magsilbi nawa itong inspirasyon upang mapabuti nila ang kanilang pag-aaral at umunlad ang pamumuhay.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1961468226378/shoe-box-project-inilunsad-ng-army-artillery-regiment-sa-nueva-ecija
Army Artillery Regiment, nagpasalamat sa mga naging katuwang sa tagumpay ng Shoe Box Project sa Nueva Ecija
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 12): Army Artillery Regiment, nagpasalamat sa mga naging katuwang sa tagumpay ng Shoe Box Project sa Nueva Ecija (The Army Artillery Regiment, thanked its many partners for the success of the Shoe Box Project in Nueva Ecija)
Lubos ang pasasalamat ng Army Artillery Regiment o AAR sa mga pribadong kumpanya at grupo na tumugon at tumulong sa kampayang pamamahagi ng mga school supplies sa mga mag-aaral.
Ayon kay AAR Commander Colonel Erwin De Asis, hindi magiging matagumpay ang proyektong ito kung wala ang tulong ng bawat stakeholder na nagpaabot ng kanilang suporta.
Nauna nang nabiyayaan ang nasa 400 mag-aaral nitong nakaraang linggo na layong maabot ang nasa pitong pampublikong paaralan at isang pambansang mataas na paaralan sa lalawigan.
Kabilang sa mga naging katuwang ng AAR ay ang mga sumusunod na kumpanya at opisina: Opisina ni Senador Antonio Trillanes IV, pamahalaang panlalawigan at lungsod ng Palayan, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, Inc- Sagip Kapamilya, San Miguel Brewery, Aboitiz Foundation, SL Agritech Corporation, Pasong Tamo Makati City, Wesleyan University of the Philippines, SM City Cabanatuan, ASKI Foundation Inc., KBP Nueva Ecija, Kiwanis International, at Golden Foster Club Division2C-1.
Ayon pa kay De Asis, umaasa ang tanggapan na lalo pang magiging matibay ang samahan at pagkakaisa ng mga kasamang stakeholder sa lalawigan para sa mga hamon ng hinaharap.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1961468226967/army-artillery-regiment-nagpasalamat-sa-mga-naging-katuwang-sa-tagumpay-ng-shoe-box-project-sa-nueva-ecija
Lubos ang pasasalamat ng Army Artillery Regiment o AAR sa mga pribadong kumpanya at grupo na tumugon at tumulong sa kampayang pamamahagi ng mga school supplies sa mga mag-aaral.
Ayon kay AAR Commander Colonel Erwin De Asis, hindi magiging matagumpay ang proyektong ito kung wala ang tulong ng bawat stakeholder na nagpaabot ng kanilang suporta.
Nauna nang nabiyayaan ang nasa 400 mag-aaral nitong nakaraang linggo na layong maabot ang nasa pitong pampublikong paaralan at isang pambansang mataas na paaralan sa lalawigan.
Kabilang sa mga naging katuwang ng AAR ay ang mga sumusunod na kumpanya at opisina: Opisina ni Senador Antonio Trillanes IV, pamahalaang panlalawigan at lungsod ng Palayan, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya, Inc- Sagip Kapamilya, San Miguel Brewery, Aboitiz Foundation, SL Agritech Corporation, Pasong Tamo Makati City, Wesleyan University of the Philippines, SM City Cabanatuan, ASKI Foundation Inc., KBP Nueva Ecija, Kiwanis International, at Golden Foster Club Division2C-1.
Ayon pa kay De Asis, umaasa ang tanggapan na lalo pang magiging matibay ang samahan at pagkakaisa ng mga kasamang stakeholder sa lalawigan para sa mga hamon ng hinaharap.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1961468226967/army-artillery-regiment-nagpasalamat-sa-mga-naging-katuwang-sa-tagumpay-ng-shoe-box-project-sa-nueva-ecija
2 female teachers dead, 2 others hurt in Cotabato shooting incident
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): 2 female teachers dead, 2 others hurt in Cotabato shooting incident
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=903438
Two female public school teachers died while two others were
hurt after motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire at them Tuesday afternoon along
Pagalamatan road in Purok Talainged, Barangay Tamontaka 1 here.
Police identified the fatalities as Sittie Usop Abdullah,
31; and Fahara Cabuntalan La, 29; both teachers of the Mokamat Elementary
Public School
Another female teacher, Aisah Karon Malugka, 34; and
tricycle driver Fahad Abdul Wahid Abdullah, 20, were seriously wounded in the
same incident.
The victims were on their way home around 4 p.m. onboard the
tricycle when overtaken and fired upon by the gunmen.
Concerned citizens brought the victims to various
infirmaries in the city following the incident.
Police are still establishing the motive behind the incident.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=903438
Bayan Muna: Arbitral court’s favorable ruling strengthens PHL position in bilateral talks
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Bayan Muna: Arbitral court’s favorable ruling strengthens PHL position in bilateral talks
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903416
Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate
on Tuesday said the favorable ruling of The Hague Arbitral Tribunal
"strengthens and solidifies the Philippine position in future bilateral
talks with China
Despite the ruling in favor of the Philippines , Zarate also called on the international
community to step in and pressure China
to de-escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea
and should stop militarizing the area.
“China has already reclaimed at least 7 of our reefs such as
the Panganiban (Mischief), Mabini (Johnson South), Gavin (Gaven), Calderon
(Cuarteron), Hughes (Kennan), Malvar (Eldad) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross)
Reefs, that are clearly within Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone
but hardly anything has been done by the previous Aquino administration to effectively
address it," he pointed out.
Zarate said that in addition to the international support
against China ’s provocative
acts, "we also urge the administration of Pangulong Digong Duterte to
initiate further diplomatic moves to strengthen our own claims and fortify our
positions, even as we engaged China
“Every Filipino here or abroad should defend our territory,
our exclusive economic zones, our national sovereignty," Zarate said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903416
DFA lauds UN Arbitral Tribunal's ruling in favor of PHL's arbitration case vs. China
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): DFA lauds UN Arbitral Tribunal's ruling in favor of PHL's arbitration case vs. China
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lauded Tuesday the ruling released by the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration which favored the Philippines’ arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea territorial row.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903410
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lauded Tuesday the ruling released by the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration which favored the Philippines’ arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea territorial row.
"The Philippines welcomes the issuance today, 12 July
2016, of the Award by the Arbitral Tribunal constituted by the Permanent Court
of Arbitration under Annex VII of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines
with regard to the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea)," Foreign Affairs
Secretary Perfecto Yasay said in a statement.
In addition, the DFA said the country's experts are now in
the process of "studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that
this significant arbitral outcome deserves."
The Department, meanwhile, called on all parties concerned
to "exercise restraint and sobriety" with regard to the said
decision.
In addition, Yasay said the country strongly affirms its
respect for the verdict as an important development in dealing with the
territorial dispute.
"The Philippines
strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important
contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South
China Sea . The decision upholds international law, particularly
the 1982 UNCLOS," the statement added.
The DFA chief also emphasized the Philippines
At 5 p.m. Tuesday (Manila time), the tribunal handed down
its decision on the case which invalidated China's claim over its
"historic rights" to the disputed waters, stressing that its
'Nine-Dash-Line' claim has no legal basis.
The ruling also added that China
violated the Philippines
Such actions, according to the tribunal, has also caused the
escalation of tension between the two parties.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903410
PHL experts studying UN Tribunal Award, welcomes ruling on West Philippine Sea
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): PHL experts studying UN Tribunal Award, welcomes ruling on West Philippine Sea
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903425
The Philippines
welcomed the decision of the United Nations (UN) Arbitral Tribunal declaring
that China ’s South China Sea claim based on historic rights has no
basis in international law.
“The Philippines welcomes the issuance today, 12 July 2016,
of the Award by the Arbitral Tribunal constituted by the Permanent Court of
Arbitration under Annex VII of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS) on the arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines
with regard to the South China Sea,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay
Jr. said in a statement following the release of the decision.
He said “our experts are studying the Award with the care
and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserves. We call on
all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.”
Yasay said the Philippines
strongly affirms its respect for the milestone decision as an important
contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South
China Sea .
He added that the decision upholds international law,
particularly the 1982 UNCLOS. “The Philippines
The UN Tribunal issued its Award Tuesday after several
months of hearings and submission of documents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903425
Tribunal overwhelmingly rejects Beijing's South China Sea claims
From Reuters (Jul 12): Tribunal overwhelmingly rejects Beijing's South China Sea claims
An arbitration court ruled on Tuesday that China has no historic title over the waters of the South China Sea and has breached the Philippines' sovereign rights with its actions, infuriating Beijing which dismissed the case as a farce.
A defiant China, which boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, vowed again to ignore the ruling and said its armed forces would defend its sovereignty and maritime interests.
China's state-run Xinhua news agency said shortly before the ruling was announced that a Chinese civilian aircraft had successfully tested two new airports in the disputed Spratly Islands.
And China's Defence Ministry said a new guided missile destroyer was formally commissioned at a naval base on the southern island province of Hainan, which has responsibility for the South China Sea.
"This award represents a devastating legal blow to China's jurisdictional claims in the South China Sea," Ian Storey, of Singapore's ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, told Reuters.
"China will respond with fury, certainly in terms of rhetoric and possibly through more aggressive actions at sea."
The United States, which China has accused of fuelling tensions and militarizing the region with patrols and exercises, urged parties to comply with the legally binding ruling and avoid provocations.
"The decision today by the Tribunal in the Philippines-China arbitration is an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
U.S. officials have previously said they feared China may respond to the ruling by declaring an air defense identification zone in the South China Sea, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013, or by stepping up its building and fortification of artificial islands.
China claims most of the energy-rich waters through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.
Finding for the Philippines on a number of issues, the panel said there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within its so-called nine-dash line, which covers almost 90 percent of the South China Sea.
It said China had interfered with traditional Philippine fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal and had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights by exploring for oil and gas near the Reed Bank.
None of China's reefs and holdings in the Spratly Islands entitled it to a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, it added.
Related Coverage
"2,000 YEARS OF HISTORY"
China's Foreign Ministry rejected the ruling, saying its people had more than 2,000 years of history in the South China Sea, that its islands did have exclusive economic zones and that it had announced to the world its "dotted line" map in 1948.
"China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards," it said.
However, the ministry also repeated that China respected and upheld the freedom of navigation and overflight and that China was ready to keep resolving the disputes peacefully through talks with states directly concerned.
In a statement shortly before the ruling, China's Defence Ministry said its armed forces would "firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and maritime interests and rights, firmly uphold regional peace and stability, and deal with all kinds of threats and challenges"
The judges acknowledged China's refusal to participate, but said they sought to take account of China's position from its statements and diplomatic correspondence.
Related Video
"The award is a complete and total victory for the Philippines ... a victory for international law and international relations," said Paul Reichler, lead lawyer for the Philippines.
Vietnam said it welcomed the ruling.
Taiwan, which maintains that the island it occupies, Itu Aba, is legally the only island among hundreds of reefs, shoals and atolls scattered across the seas, said it did not accept the ruling, which seriously impaired Taiwan's territorial rights.
"This is the worst scenario," Taiwan Foreign Minister David Tawei Lee told reporters, promising unspecified "action" from Taipei.
Related Coverage
GROUND-BREAKING RULING
The ruling is significant as it is the first time that a legal challenge has been brought in the dispute, which covers some of the world's most promising oil and gas fields and vital fishing grounds. [bit.ly/29AlvXc]
It reflects the shifting balance of power in the 3.5 million sq km sea, where China has been expanding its presence by building artificial islands and dispatching patrol boats that keep Philippine fishing vessels away.
The Philippines said it was studying the ruling.
"We call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety," Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay told a news conference. "The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea."
Japan said the ruling was legally binding and final.
Oil prices jumped following the findings, with Brent crude futures LCOc1 up almost 3 percent at $47.87 per barrel at 1130 GMT (7:30 a.m. ET).
The court has no power of enforcement, but a victory for the Philippines could spur Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei to file similar cases.
Ahead of the ruling, around 100 members of a Philippine nationalist group demonstrated outside the Chinese consulate in Manila, calling on Beijing to accept the decision and leave the Scarborough Shoal, a popular fishing zone off limits to Filipinos since 2012.
In China, social media users reacted with outrage at the ruling.
"It was ours in the past, is now and will remain so in the future," wrote one user on microblogging site Weibo. "Those who encroach on our China's territory will die no matter how far away they are."
Spreading fast on social media in the Philippines was the use of the term "Chexit" - the public's desire for Chinese vessels to leave the waters.
Demonstrators display a part of a fishing boat with anti-China protest signs during a rally by different activist groups over the South China Sea disputes, outside the Chinese Consulate in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines July 12, 2016. REUTERS/Erik De Castrby
A Philippine national flag flutters on a part of a fishing boat with anti-China protest signs, as demonstrators march towards the Chinese Consulate, over the South China Sea disputes, in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines July 12, 2016. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-ruling-stakes-idUSKCN0ZS02U
An arbitration court ruled on Tuesday that China has no historic title over the waters of the South China Sea and has breached the Philippines' sovereign rights with its actions, infuriating Beijing which dismissed the case as a farce.
A defiant China, which boycotted the hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, vowed again to ignore the ruling and said its armed forces would defend its sovereignty and maritime interests.
China's state-run Xinhua news agency said shortly before the ruling was announced that a Chinese civilian aircraft had successfully tested two new airports in the disputed Spratly Islands.
And China's Defence Ministry said a new guided missile destroyer was formally commissioned at a naval base on the southern island province of Hainan, which has responsibility for the South China Sea.
"This award represents a devastating legal blow to China's jurisdictional claims in the South China Sea," Ian Storey, of Singapore's ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, told Reuters.
"China will respond with fury, certainly in terms of rhetoric and possibly through more aggressive actions at sea."
The United States, which China has accused of fuelling tensions and militarizing the region with patrols and exercises, urged parties to comply with the legally binding ruling and avoid provocations.
"The decision today by the Tribunal in the Philippines-China arbitration is an important contribution to the shared goal of a peaceful resolution to disputes in the South China Sea," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
U.S. officials have previously said they feared China may respond to the ruling by declaring an air defense identification zone in the South China Sea, as it did in the East China Sea in 2013, or by stepping up its building and fortification of artificial islands.
China claims most of the energy-rich waters through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.
Finding for the Philippines on a number of issues, the panel said there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within its so-called nine-dash line, which covers almost 90 percent of the South China Sea.
It said China had interfered with traditional Philippine fishing rights at Scarborough Shoal and had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights by exploring for oil and gas near the Reed Bank.
None of China's reefs and holdings in the Spratly Islands entitled it to a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, it added.
Related Coverage
"2,000 YEARS OF HISTORY"
China's Foreign Ministry rejected the ruling, saying its people had more than 2,000 years of history in the South China Sea, that its islands did have exclusive economic zones and that it had announced to the world its "dotted line" map in 1948.
"China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by those awards," it said.
However, the ministry also repeated that China respected and upheld the freedom of navigation and overflight and that China was ready to keep resolving the disputes peacefully through talks with states directly concerned.
In a statement shortly before the ruling, China's Defence Ministry said its armed forces would "firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and maritime interests and rights, firmly uphold regional peace and stability, and deal with all kinds of threats and challenges"
The judges acknowledged China's refusal to participate, but said they sought to take account of China's position from its statements and diplomatic correspondence.
Related Video
"The award is a complete and total victory for the Philippines ... a victory for international law and international relations," said Paul Reichler, lead lawyer for the Philippines.
Vietnam said it welcomed the ruling.
Taiwan, which maintains that the island it occupies, Itu Aba, is legally the only island among hundreds of reefs, shoals and atolls scattered across the seas, said it did not accept the ruling, which seriously impaired Taiwan's territorial rights.
"This is the worst scenario," Taiwan Foreign Minister David Tawei Lee told reporters, promising unspecified "action" from Taipei.
Related Coverage
GROUND-BREAKING RULING
The ruling is significant as it is the first time that a legal challenge has been brought in the dispute, which covers some of the world's most promising oil and gas fields and vital fishing grounds. [bit.ly/29AlvXc]
It reflects the shifting balance of power in the 3.5 million sq km sea, where China has been expanding its presence by building artificial islands and dispatching patrol boats that keep Philippine fishing vessels away.
The Philippines said it was studying the ruling.
"We call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety," Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay told a news conference. "The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to the ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea."
Japan said the ruling was legally binding and final.
Oil prices jumped following the findings, with Brent crude futures LCOc1 up almost 3 percent at $47.87 per barrel at 1130 GMT (7:30 a.m. ET).
The court has no power of enforcement, but a victory for the Philippines could spur Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei to file similar cases.
Ahead of the ruling, around 100 members of a Philippine nationalist group demonstrated outside the Chinese consulate in Manila, calling on Beijing to accept the decision and leave the Scarborough Shoal, a popular fishing zone off limits to Filipinos since 2012.
In China, social media users reacted with outrage at the ruling.
"It was ours in the past, is now and will remain so in the future," wrote one user on microblogging site Weibo. "Those who encroach on our China's territory will die no matter how far away they are."
Spreading fast on social media in the Philippines was the use of the term "Chexit" - the public's desire for Chinese vessels to leave the waters.
Demonstrators display a part of a fishing boat with anti-China protest signs during a rally by different activist groups over the South China Sea disputes, outside the Chinese Consulate in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines July 12, 2016. REUTERS/Erik De Castrby
A Philippine national flag flutters on a part of a fishing boat with anti-China protest signs, as demonstrators march towards the Chinese Consulate, over the South China Sea disputes, in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines July 12, 2016. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-ruling-stakes-idUSKCN0ZS02U
Pacific Partnership 2016 Departs Philippines
From America's Navy (Jul 11): Pacific Partnership 2016 Departs Philippines
LEGAZPI, Philippines (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2016 departed its second mission stop, the Republic of the Philippines July 11, after completing two weeks of humanitarian assistance and disaster response training, medical subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements and community relations events.
This year marks the seventh time Pacific Partnership has visited the Philippines since their first visit in 2006. While in Legazpi, Pacific Partnership worked with civilian and military personnel during a five-day humanitarian assistance and disaster response seminar.
"A key aspect of [this stop] was the disaster relief symposium," said Capt. Mike Spruce, Royal Australian Navy Reserve, deputy mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2016. "The Philippines suffer awful natural disasters, so it's vital that as partners we know how to work together to enable faster relief."
The disaster response workshop was co-hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Pacific Partnership 2016. Filipino civilian and military personnel worked with the Pacific Partnership team to step through response procedures on disasters such as a Category 5 typhoon striking the city and a volcanic eruption.
In addition to the two workshops, medical personnel embarked aboard hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) conducted SMEEs with their Filipino counterparts on topics such as nursing, blood banking, preventative medicine and engineering. CHEs were held in Ligao City, Tabaco City and Duraga. Each engagement was run by medical personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local hospitals and Pacific Partnership 2016.
"It was a great experience," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Charles Nugent. "Working alongside with the locals and learning from each other was awesome and it's something I'll always remember."
The engineering projects -- led by U.S. Navy Seabees, Marines, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines -- included the construction and renovation of Mabini water tower, Kinawitan Elementary School and Comun Elementary School, which will now also serve as civilian shelters during disasters.
"The areas often flood during bad weather, so to prevent that we cleared a lot of dirt and had a concrete pour which will help minimize flooding," said Utilitiesman 3rd Class Amber Woods. "Seeing the kids happy and always waving at us is great. It's that extra motivation that keeps us going and it feels good."
The Armed Forces of the Philippines also worked with U.S. service members at the engineering sites.
"They're so friendly, we put a lot of sweat into the projects together and meshed very well, they were a great addition to the team," added Woods.
Community relations events were also held throughout the Legazpi area, bringing the local people and children together with Pacific Partnership 2016 personnel -- including U.S. Pacific Fleet Band engagements, soccer, volleyball and basketball matches.
The rock group, "Big Wave," from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band played at various locations throughout the city with service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"It was a great experience for the band to be able to share our talents with that of the host nation's," said Musician 3rd Class Jason Andrews. "Music is a tool that we can use to communicate when we don't speak their language, so the ability to play together was great and it really means a lot to the band."
"Pacific Partnership at its core is about nations working together," said Rear Adm. Brian Hurley, commander, Task Force 73. "This teamwork among nations can only occur through sustained relationships. Now in its 11th year, Pacific Partnership allows us to continually build relationships with nations across many years and across the vast area that is the Pacific Ocean."
After the Philippines, Mercy will conduct mission stops in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Pacific Partnership 2016 is focused on enhancing relationships and multinational-interoperability through knowledge exchange and cooperative training, ensuring partner nations are prepared to collectively and effectively respond when disaster strikes.
For more information on Pacific Partnership 2016 follow us on Facebook and Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/pacificpartnership/ and @PacificPartner.
For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/ctf73/.
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=95613
LEGAZPI, Philippines (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2016 departed its second mission stop, the Republic of the Philippines July 11, after completing two weeks of humanitarian assistance and disaster response training, medical subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements and community relations events.
This year marks the seventh time Pacific Partnership has visited the Philippines since their first visit in 2006. While in Legazpi, Pacific Partnership worked with civilian and military personnel during a five-day humanitarian assistance and disaster response seminar.
"A key aspect of [this stop] was the disaster relief symposium," said Capt. Mike Spruce, Royal Australian Navy Reserve, deputy mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2016. "The Philippines suffer awful natural disasters, so it's vital that as partners we know how to work together to enable faster relief."
The disaster response workshop was co-hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Pacific Partnership 2016. Filipino civilian and military personnel worked with the Pacific Partnership team to step through response procedures on disasters such as a Category 5 typhoon striking the city and a volcanic eruption.
In addition to the two workshops, medical personnel embarked aboard hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) conducted SMEEs with their Filipino counterparts on topics such as nursing, blood banking, preventative medicine and engineering. CHEs were held in Ligao City, Tabaco City and Duraga. Each engagement was run by medical personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local hospitals and Pacific Partnership 2016.
"It was a great experience," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Charles Nugent. "Working alongside with the locals and learning from each other was awesome and it's something I'll always remember."
The engineering projects -- led by U.S. Navy Seabees, Marines, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines -- included the construction and renovation of Mabini water tower, Kinawitan Elementary School and Comun Elementary School, which will now also serve as civilian shelters during disasters.
"The areas often flood during bad weather, so to prevent that we cleared a lot of dirt and had a concrete pour which will help minimize flooding," said Utilitiesman 3rd Class Amber Woods. "Seeing the kids happy and always waving at us is great. It's that extra motivation that keeps us going and it feels good."
The Armed Forces of the Philippines also worked with U.S. service members at the engineering sites.
"They're so friendly, we put a lot of sweat into the projects together and meshed very well, they were a great addition to the team," added Woods.
Community relations events were also held throughout the Legazpi area, bringing the local people and children together with Pacific Partnership 2016 personnel -- including U.S. Pacific Fleet Band engagements, soccer, volleyball and basketball matches.
The rock group, "Big Wave," from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band played at various locations throughout the city with service members from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"It was a great experience for the band to be able to share our talents with that of the host nation's," said Musician 3rd Class Jason Andrews. "Music is a tool that we can use to communicate when we don't speak their language, so the ability to play together was great and it really means a lot to the band."
"Pacific Partnership at its core is about nations working together," said Rear Adm. Brian Hurley, commander, Task Force 73. "This teamwork among nations can only occur through sustained relationships. Now in its 11th year, Pacific Partnership allows us to continually build relationships with nations across many years and across the vast area that is the Pacific Ocean."
After the Philippines, Mercy will conduct mission stops in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. Pacific Partnership 2016 is focused on enhancing relationships and multinational-interoperability through knowledge exchange and cooperative training, ensuring partner nations are prepared to collectively and effectively respond when disaster strikes.
For more information on Pacific Partnership 2016 follow us on Facebook and Twitter: http://www.facebook.com/pacificpartnership/ and @PacificPartner.
For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/ctf73/.
http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=95613
Peace advocates say GPH-CPP talks won’t be easy, won’t be quick
From CNN Philippines (Jul 11): Peace advocates say GPH-CPP talks won’t be easy, won’t be quick
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has been leading the insurgency for 47 years with no end in sight until President Rodrigo Duterte took over and personally handled the peace process.
Stakeholders said Monday there's a marked difference between the way the Duterte government is handling the peace process and how the previous administrations have tackled the negotiations in the past.
Soliman Santos, a former lawyer for a regional branch of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) during talks under the late President Corazon Aquino, believes one key difference is that the previous administrations and the rebels approached the talks for temporary gain.
“It was, in my view, an approach to peace as tactics under a war strategy for both sides,” said Santos, who is now a judge.
“Very clearly, the factor is the new President himself, his attitude towards the Left of which he claims some affinity with if not organizationally, in terms of advocacies,” he said. “He says he's a socialist and thats not too far from socioeconomic agenda of NDF.”
Father Christopher Ablon of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform said they've been pushing for peace since 2007. One major difference between Duterte and previous presidents is the trust he has gained from the rebels over the years when he served as mayor of Davao City.
Ablon said he is happy with recent developments, but advises caution and vigilance among everyone involved to keep the peace process from backtracking.
He said there have been indications that talks won’t go as smoothly as many expected, citing the rescheduling of the formal resumption of the talks from early to late July to August, and the planned meeting between Duterte and communist party founder Jose Maria Sison that has not yet taken place.
Also read: Duterte gov’t, NDF set peace talks for July
“These are signs that the peace negotiations as we have known it is not that easy and it will not be that fast,” Ablon said. “We should not be in … euphoria that Duterte will create magic for us.”
[Insert article re Duterte not ready to release all CPP-NDFP officials until peace talks conclude]
Bello: NDF wants early start to formal peace talks
Retired General Raymundo Jarque, who once hunted down New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas on Negros Island and later became a supporter of the talks and a consultant for the NDF, believes Duterte sees how the conflict affects the poor.
He said, however, that even if the peace process takes decades, the issues still have to be discussed properly until a final agreement is reached by the two sides.
Jarque claimed he was a victim of injustice. He sought “asylum” in the rebel movement in 1995 after he was accused of stealing a ton of prawns.
He said the peace process should be given a chance to succeed.
“For the first time [the] Philippine government and President Duterte initiated this set up by inviting leftist and other progressive to join the government in attaining peace,” Jarque said.
The resumption of the talks have been set in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian government is brokering the talks.
The talks would cover a planned Amnesty Proclamation for all political prisoners and detainees which requires concurrence by Congress. Socio-economic as well as political and constitutional reforms will also be discussed, plus a ceasefire.
Also read: CPP lauds the incoming Duterte government's peace efforts
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/07/11/Peace-advocates-Philippine-government-cpp-npa-ndfp-peace-talks.html
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has been leading the insurgency for 47 years with no end in sight until President Rodrigo Duterte took over and personally handled the peace process.
Stakeholders said Monday there's a marked difference between the way the Duterte government is handling the peace process and how the previous administrations have tackled the negotiations in the past.
Soliman Santos, a former lawyer for a regional branch of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) during talks under the late President Corazon Aquino, believes one key difference is that the previous administrations and the rebels approached the talks for temporary gain.
“It was, in my view, an approach to peace as tactics under a war strategy for both sides,” said Santos, who is now a judge.
“Very clearly, the factor is the new President himself, his attitude towards the Left of which he claims some affinity with if not organizationally, in terms of advocacies,” he said. “He says he's a socialist and thats not too far from socioeconomic agenda of NDF.”
Father Christopher Ablon of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform said they've been pushing for peace since 2007. One major difference between Duterte and previous presidents is the trust he has gained from the rebels over the years when he served as mayor of Davao City.
Ablon said he is happy with recent developments, but advises caution and vigilance among everyone involved to keep the peace process from backtracking.
He said there have been indications that talks won’t go as smoothly as many expected, citing the rescheduling of the formal resumption of the talks from early to late July to August, and the planned meeting between Duterte and communist party founder Jose Maria Sison that has not yet taken place.
Also read: Duterte gov’t, NDF set peace talks for July
“These are signs that the peace negotiations as we have known it is not that easy and it will not be that fast,” Ablon said. “We should not be in … euphoria that Duterte will create magic for us.”
[Insert article re Duterte not ready to release all CPP-NDFP officials until peace talks conclude]
Bello: NDF wants early start to formal peace talks
Retired General Raymundo Jarque, who once hunted down New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas on Negros Island and later became a supporter of the talks and a consultant for the NDF, believes Duterte sees how the conflict affects the poor.
He said, however, that even if the peace process takes decades, the issues still have to be discussed properly until a final agreement is reached by the two sides.
Jarque claimed he was a victim of injustice. He sought “asylum” in the rebel movement in 1995 after he was accused of stealing a ton of prawns.
He said the peace process should be given a chance to succeed.
“For the first time [the] Philippine government and President Duterte initiated this set up by inviting leftist and other progressive to join the government in attaining peace,” Jarque said.
The resumption of the talks have been set in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian government is brokering the talks.
The talks would cover a planned Amnesty Proclamation for all political prisoners and detainees which requires concurrence by Congress. Socio-economic as well as political and constitutional reforms will also be discussed, plus a ceasefire.
Also read: CPP lauds the incoming Duterte government's peace efforts
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/07/11/Peace-advocates-Philippine-government-cpp-npa-ndfp-peace-talks.html
WATCH | UN court rules in favor of Philippines in sea row with China
From InterAksyon (Jul 12): WATCH | UN court rules in favor of Philippines in sea row with China
Reuters file photo of Chinese reclamation activity in the West Philippine Sea
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has ruled, as widely expected, in favor of the Philippines, which sought a delineation of maritime entitlements in the South China Sea where it said China had violated its rights under a UN treaty that both Asian countries had signed.
One year after it held its first round of hearings on Manila's complaint, the 5-man arbitral tribunal on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) unanimously issued a finding for the Philippines.
"The Award is final and binding, as set out in Article 296 of the Convention [UNCLOS] and Article 11 of Annex VII," said the decision.
On the substantial subject of China's claimed Historic Rights and the 'Nine-Dash Line,' which Manila directly challenged, the Tribunal "found that it has jurisdiction to consider the Parties' dispute concerning historic rights and the source of maritime entitlements in the South China sea."
It said China's claimed historic rights were "extinguished to the extent" they ran contrary to the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) provided for in the UNCLOS.
On the merits, the Tribunal concluded that the UNCLOS comprehensively allocates rights to maritime "areas and that protections for pre-existing rights to resources were considered, but not adopted in the Convention.
Accordingly, the Tribunal "concluded that, to the extent China had historic rights to resources in the waters of the South China Sea, such rights were extinguished to the extent they were incompatible with the exclusive economic zones provided for in the Convention."
This arbitration focused on "the role of historic rights and and the source of maritime entitllements in the South China Sea, the status of certain maritime features and the maritime entitlements they are capable of generating, and the lawfulness of certain actions by China that were alleged by the Philippines to violate the Convention," said the UN tribunal.
The Tribunal had emphasized that it does not rule on any question of sovereignty over land territory, and does not delimit any boundary between parties.
As for China's oft-repeated stand that "it will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines," the tribunal cited Annex VII, which provides that the "[a]bsence of a party or failure of a party to defend its case shall not constitute a bar to the proceedings."
Annex VII also provides, the tribunal said, that in the event that a party does not participate in the proceedings, a tribunal "must satisfy itself not only that it has jurisdiction over the dispute but also that the claim is well founded in fact and law."
Throughout the proceedings, the Tribunal said it "has taken steps to test the accuracy of the Philippines' claims, including by requesting further written submissions from the Philippines, by questioning the Philippines both prior to and during two hearings, by appointing independent experts to report to the Tribunal on technical matters, and by obtaining historical evidence concerning features in the South China Sea and providing it to the Parties for comment."
It cited China's publication of a Position Paper in December 2014 and in other official statements-- that, in its view, the Tribunal lacks jurisdiction in this matter.
The Tribunal recalled it settled that matter of jurisdiction under Article 288 of the Convention: "In the event of a dispute as to whether a court or tribunal has jurisdiction, the matter shall be settled by decision of that court or tribunal."
The Tribunal convened a hearing on jurisdiction and admissibility in July 2015 and rendered an Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility on 29 October 2015, deciding some issues of jurisdiction and deferring others for further consideration. The Tribunal then convened a hearing on the merits from 24 to 30 November 2015.
Click and watch the video report below:
[Video Report]
CLICK AND SCROLL FOR THE FULL TEXT OF THE RULING:
[Full text of ruling]
http://interaksyon.com/article/130256/watch--un-court-rules-in-favor-of-philippines-in-sea-row-with-china
Reuters file photo of Chinese reclamation activity in the West Philippine Sea
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has ruled, as widely expected, in favor of the Philippines, which sought a delineation of maritime entitlements in the South China Sea where it said China had violated its rights under a UN treaty that both Asian countries had signed.
One year after it held its first round of hearings on Manila's complaint, the 5-man arbitral tribunal on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) unanimously issued a finding for the Philippines.
"The Award is final and binding, as set out in Article 296 of the Convention [UNCLOS] and Article 11 of Annex VII," said the decision.
On the substantial subject of China's claimed Historic Rights and the 'Nine-Dash Line,' which Manila directly challenged, the Tribunal "found that it has jurisdiction to consider the Parties' dispute concerning historic rights and the source of maritime entitlements in the South China sea."
It said China's claimed historic rights were "extinguished to the extent" they ran contrary to the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) provided for in the UNCLOS.
On the merits, the Tribunal concluded that the UNCLOS comprehensively allocates rights to maritime "areas and that protections for pre-existing rights to resources were considered, but not adopted in the Convention.
Accordingly, the Tribunal "concluded that, to the extent China had historic rights to resources in the waters of the South China Sea, such rights were extinguished to the extent they were incompatible with the exclusive economic zones provided for in the Convention."
This arbitration focused on "the role of historic rights and and the source of maritime entitllements in the South China Sea, the status of certain maritime features and the maritime entitlements they are capable of generating, and the lawfulness of certain actions by China that were alleged by the Philippines to violate the Convention," said the UN tribunal.
The Tribunal had emphasized that it does not rule on any question of sovereignty over land territory, and does not delimit any boundary between parties.
As for China's oft-repeated stand that "it will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration unilaterally initiated by the Philippines," the tribunal cited Annex VII, which provides that the "[a]bsence of a party or failure of a party to defend its case shall not constitute a bar to the proceedings."
Annex VII also provides, the tribunal said, that in the event that a party does not participate in the proceedings, a tribunal "must satisfy itself not only that it has jurisdiction over the dispute but also that the claim is well founded in fact and law."
Throughout the proceedings, the Tribunal said it "has taken steps to test the accuracy of the Philippines' claims, including by requesting further written submissions from the Philippines, by questioning the Philippines both prior to and during two hearings, by appointing independent experts to report to the Tribunal on technical matters, and by obtaining historical evidence concerning features in the South China Sea and providing it to the Parties for comment."
It cited China's publication of a Position Paper in December 2014 and in other official statements-- that, in its view, the Tribunal lacks jurisdiction in this matter.
The Tribunal recalled it settled that matter of jurisdiction under Article 288 of the Convention: "In the event of a dispute as to whether a court or tribunal has jurisdiction, the matter shall be settled by decision of that court or tribunal."
The Tribunal convened a hearing on jurisdiction and admissibility in July 2015 and rendered an Award on Jurisdiction and Admissibility on 29 October 2015, deciding some issues of jurisdiction and deferring others for further consideration. The Tribunal then convened a hearing on the merits from 24 to 30 November 2015.
Click and watch the video report below:
[Video Report]
CLICK AND SCROLL FOR THE FULL TEXT OF THE RULING:
[Full text of ruling]
http://interaksyon.com/article/130256/watch--un-court-rules-in-favor-of-philippines-in-sea-row-with-china
DFA STATEMENT | PHL govt committed to rule of law, hails UN court ruling on South China Sea
From InterAksyon (Jul 12): DFA STATEMENT | PHL govt committed to rule of law, hails UN court ruling on South China Sea
The Philippine government welcomed the UN court's ruling Tuesday upholding its position against China in the South China Sea, and affirmed its "abiding commitment to efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes."
It called on all parties to act with self-restraint, amid fears that a wave of Chinese nationalism might spawn a backlash against Filipinos, or that China would ramp up its military presence in the area, where it has conducted sea patrols the past week, and a widely-denounced reclamation frenzy that ended just last February.
T
he statement issued by the office of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay follows:
The Philippines welcomes the issuance today, 12 July 2016, of the Award by the Arbitral Tribunal constituted by the Permanent Court of Arbitration under Annex VII of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines with regard to the South China Sea.
Our experts are studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserves. In the meantime, we call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.
The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea. The decision upholds international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.
The Philippines reiterates its abiding commitment to efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes with a view to promoting and enhancing peace and stability in the region.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130257/dfa-statement--phl-govt-committed-to-rule-of-law-hails-un-court-ruling-on-south-china-sea
The Philippine government welcomed the UN court's ruling Tuesday upholding its position against China in the South China Sea, and affirmed its "abiding commitment to efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes."
It called on all parties to act with self-restraint, amid fears that a wave of Chinese nationalism might spawn a backlash against Filipinos, or that China would ramp up its military presence in the area, where it has conducted sea patrols the past week, and a widely-denounced reclamation frenzy that ended just last February.
T
he statement issued by the office of Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay follows:
The Philippines welcomes the issuance today, 12 July 2016, of the Award by the Arbitral Tribunal constituted by the Permanent Court of Arbitration under Annex VII of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the arbitration proceedings initiated by the Philippines with regard to the South China Sea.
Our experts are studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserves. In the meantime, we call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety.
The Philippines strongly affirms its respect for this milestone decision as an important contribution to ongoing efforts in addressing disputes in the South China Sea. The decision upholds international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.
The Philippines reiterates its abiding commitment to efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of disputes with a view to promoting and enhancing peace and stability in the region.
http://interaksyon.com/article/130257/dfa-statement--phl-govt-committed-to-rule-of-law-hails-un-court-ruling-on-south-china-sea
KEY FINDINGS ON SOUTH CHINA SEA | Highlights of the UN tribunal ruling
From InterAksyon (Jul 12): KEY FINDINGS ON SOUTH CHINA SEA | Highlights of the UN tribunal ruling
Reuters file photo shows the Philippine flag flying above the BRP Sierra Madre, the country's sentinel of sorts at Ayungin Shoal.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - A United Nations-backed tribunal on Tuesday issued a damning ruling against China on its long-running dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Here are some of the key findings in the lengthy document.
1. China's 'nine-dash-line' is invalid
The five member panel found that Chinese fishermen, amongst others, had historically made use of the islands in the South China Sea but "there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or their resources.
"The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the 'nine-dash-line'".
2. Reclaimed islands have no exclusive economic zone
The artificial islands that China has been furiously building over recent years are not capable of sustaining a population and therefore under international treaties do not have the 200 nautical mile "exclusive economic zone" (EEZ) enjoyed by inhabited land.
"The Tribunal noted that the current presence of official personnel on many of the features is dependent on outside support and not reflective of the capacity of the features... (and) ....that none of the Spratly Islands is capable of generating extended maritime zones.
"The Tribunal found that it could -- without delimiting a boundary -- declare that certain sea areas are within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, because those areas are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China."
3. China has behaved unlawfully
Because areas at issue are within the Philippines EEZ, Chinese construction of artificial islands and its interference with Philippine fishing and mineral activities is illegal.
"China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone. The Tribunal further held that Chinese law-enforcement vessels had unlawfully created a serious risk of collision when they physically obstructed Philippine vessels."
4. Beijing has damaged the environment
China's large-scale land reclamation has "caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems".
China was also remiss in failing to put a stop to the harmful "harvesting of endangered sea turtles, coral and giant clams on a substantial scale" by its fishermen.
5. Island building should have stopped during the dispute process
The panel said it had no jurisdiction over the military standoff at Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese and Philippine military and law enforcement vessels are locked in confrontation.
However, "China's recent large-scale reclamation and construction of artificial islands was incompatible with the obligations on a state during dispute resolution proceedings, insofar as China has... destroyed evidence of the natural condition of features of the South China Sea that formed part of the Parties' dispute."
http://interaksyon.com/article/130259/key-findings-on-south-china-sea--highlights-of-the-un-tribunal-ruling
Reuters file photo shows the Philippine flag flying above the BRP Sierra Madre, the country's sentinel of sorts at Ayungin Shoal.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands - A United Nations-backed tribunal on Tuesday issued a damning ruling against China on its long-running dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Here are some of the key findings in the lengthy document.
1. China's 'nine-dash-line' is invalid
The five member panel found that Chinese fishermen, amongst others, had historically made use of the islands in the South China Sea but "there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or their resources.
"The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the 'nine-dash-line'".
2. Reclaimed islands have no exclusive economic zone
The artificial islands that China has been furiously building over recent years are not capable of sustaining a population and therefore under international treaties do not have the 200 nautical mile "exclusive economic zone" (EEZ) enjoyed by inhabited land.
"The Tribunal noted that the current presence of official personnel on many of the features is dependent on outside support and not reflective of the capacity of the features... (and) ....that none of the Spratly Islands is capable of generating extended maritime zones.
"The Tribunal found that it could -- without delimiting a boundary -- declare that certain sea areas are within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, because those areas are not overlapped by any possible entitlement of China."
3. China has behaved unlawfully
Because areas at issue are within the Philippines EEZ, Chinese construction of artificial islands and its interference with Philippine fishing and mineral activities is illegal.
"China had violated the Philippines' sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone. The Tribunal further held that Chinese law-enforcement vessels had unlawfully created a serious risk of collision when they physically obstructed Philippine vessels."
4. Beijing has damaged the environment
China's large-scale land reclamation has "caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and violated its obligation to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems".
China was also remiss in failing to put a stop to the harmful "harvesting of endangered sea turtles, coral and giant clams on a substantial scale" by its fishermen.
5. Island building should have stopped during the dispute process
The panel said it had no jurisdiction over the military standoff at Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese and Philippine military and law enforcement vessels are locked in confrontation.
However, "China's recent large-scale reclamation and construction of artificial islands was incompatible with the obligations on a state during dispute resolution proceedings, insofar as China has... destroyed evidence of the natural condition of features of the South China Sea that formed part of the Parties' dispute."
http://interaksyon.com/article/130259/key-findings-on-south-china-sea--highlights-of-the-un-tribunal-ruling
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