AFP is now planning to increase its presence in the West Philippine Sea, as confirmed by Western Command Chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.
The officials announced this effort because they believe that China is conducting massive illegal coral harvesting in Rozul Reef.
AFP Alleges China of Illegal Coral Harvesting in WPS
A Philippine Black Hawk helicopter takes off as US and Philippine marines take part in a joint amphibious assault exercise as part of the annual 'Balikatan' (shoulder-to-shoulder) US-Philippines war exercises, off the waters of South China Sea on March 31, 2022, in Claveria.
According to Rappler's latest report, the Armed Forces of the Philippines suspects the Chinese government of conducting illegal coral harvesting in WPS.
On Saturday, Sept. 16, during a press briefing, Carlos announced that there's a resurgence of Chinese ships swarming around WPS.
He claimed that the main goal of these vessel swarms is to conduct massive harvesting of corals in Rozul Reef. Recently, AFP sent their divers to the reef to check the status of the corals, as reported by ABS CBN News.
To their surprise, the AFP divers confirmed that there was indeed a recently-conducted coral harvest.
"Wala nang natira in the area (there was nothing left in the area)," described the AFP Western Command chief.
Alberto said that since Chinese vessels were occupying the area in July-before the Armed Forces of the Philippines were able to drive them away-they believed that China was behind the activity.
Carlos said that the situation in Rozul Reef is very alarming since Filipinos are supposed to be the ones enjoying the resources in Rozul, which is the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
He added that it is alarming for AFP since the illegal coral harvesting might make them look like they are not protecting the West Philippine Sea from China.
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AFP To Increase Presence in WPS
A man points a water hose on a photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping as he joins a protest outside the Chinese Consulate in Makati, Metro Manila on August 11, 2023, to condemn the water canon incident between China and Philippines Coast Guards at West Philippine Sea.
Illegal coral harvesting can negatively affect not just the West Philippine Sea's Rozul Reef, but also the country's food security.
AFP said that they discovered that around 40 Chinese vessels were still swarming in the Rozul Reef as of Sept. 15.
This just shows that the coral harvesting issue in the area might continue since Chinese ships are still there.
To resolve this conflict, the Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that it will increase its presence in WPS.
Aside from this, the military department will also encourage allies to take action that will favor the Philippines when it comes to protecting the West Philippine Sea from illegal activities.
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