The 2019 Reed Bank Incident

Tensions Rise Following Reed Bank Incident: Filipino Fishermen Abandoned at Sea

In a troubling incident on June 9, 2019, a Chinese fishing vessel reportedly rammed and sunk a Filipino fishing boat, F/B Gem-Ver 1, near Recto Bank in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, also referred to as the West Philippine Sea. The unfortunate event left 22 Filipino fishermen abandoned at sea, triggering outrage across the Philippines and igniting a diplomatic row between Manila and Beijing.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana condemned the actions of the Chinese vessel and described the abandonment of the Filipino¹ crew as a “cowardly action,” stating that it was “not the expected action from a responsible and friendly people.” The fishermen, who faced perilous conditions following the collision, were ultimately rescued by a passing Vietnamese fishing boat, drawing attention to the dire circumstances surrounding the incident.

In the aftermath, the Philippine Coast Guard launched an investigation while the Department of Foreign Affairs filed a diplomatic protest against China concerning the incident. Tensions escalated as some Filipino officials called for a more robust response from the government, advocating for the deployment of naval units to address maritime security.

President Rodrigo Duterte, however, took a cautious approach to the situation. Speaking during the Philippine Navy’s 121st anniversary, he referred to the event as a “little maritime accident” and downplayed the need for immediate military action. Duterte articulated his desire for an investigation into the matter, stressing that both the Philippine and Chinese sides should have the opportunity to present their accounts of the incident.

Duterte’s reluctance to escalate tensions with China has drawn mixed reactions from various sectors of society. While some praised his efforts to maintain diplomatic relations, others criticized him for seemingly prioritizing China over the welfare of Filipino fishermen. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo reiterated that Duterte’s cautious approach stemmed from the desire to avoid inflating the incident into an international crisis, a delicate balancing act aimed at preserving bilateral relations.

Filipino fishermen have expressed their disappointment towards the government’s response, feeling abandoned in their time of need. The incident has underscored the precarious position of Filipino fishing communities in contested waters, revealing broader concerns about national sovereignty and the safety of local fishermen amidst increasing Chinese influence in the region.

Many citizens and activists are now calling for sustained governmental efforts to protect Filipino fishermen, with analysts urging the administration to stand firm against aggressive maritime practices by China. The Reed Bank incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges the Philippines faces as it navigates its relationship with China while safeguarding the rights and safety of its citizens.

As investigations continue, the call for accountability grows louder, with many hoping that the government’s actions will reflect its commitment to defending the rights of Filipino fishermen and asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty over its waters.

Analysis of Duterte’s Response

President Duterte’s response to the Reed Bank incident has been characterized by a careful, albeit controversial approach. By labeling the incident as a “little maritime accident,” Duterte aimed to defuse potential tensions and avoid a hasty military response. While this approach may preserve diplomatic ties with China, it raises significant concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting Filipino fishermen.

Duterte’s emphasis on waiting for an investigation before taking a stand demonstrates a caution rooted in legal and diplomatic prudence. However, many critics argue that this stance appears to prioritize diplomatic relations over the immediate well-being of the fishermen who were directly impacted by the incident. The president’s reluctance to label the actions of the Chinese vessel as intentional may come across as an attempt to appease China, potentially undermining public confidence in his administration’s ability to defend national interests.

The perception of Duterte’s response has highlighted the delicate balancing act required when managing foreign relations with a powerful neighbor like China, especially amid growing tensions in the South China Sea. While maintaining peace is crucial, the administration must also ensure that it advocates effectively for the rights and safety of its own people.

Synthesis

The Reed Bank incident in June 2019 left a lasting impact on the Philippines, highlighting the complicated issues of national sovereignty and foreign relations. Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay stated that the Chinese “had no business fishing” in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. This was important because a 2016 ruling had declared China’s claims in the South China Sea invalid. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana condemned the Chinese vessel’s actions, calling them “cowardly” for abandoning the Filipino fishermen.

In a notable contrast, President Rodrigo Duterte, during his fourth state-of-the-nation address in 2019, defended his administration’s friendly approach toward China. He believed that building diplomatic and economic ties was necessary, even though many criticized this decision. After leaving office in 2022, Duterte faced accusations that he had prioritized relationships with China over the Philippines’ territorial rights.

Looking back, many Filipinos felt that the promises of increased investments and support from China did not materialize as expected. They were left questioning whether the friendly relations had truly benefited the nation or its people. As the country moved forward, the Reed Bank incident served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and the importance of protecting the rights of local fishermen and their communities.

Sources:

1. Stashwick, Steven. “Chinese Vessel Rams, Sinks Philippine Fishing Boat in Reed Bank.” The Diplomat, 14 June 2019. The Diplomat.
2. Panti, Llanesca T. “Chinese Vessel Hits, Sinks Philippine Boat in Recto Bank —Lorenzana.” GMA News, 12 June 2019. GMA News.
3. Robles, Raissa. “Chinese Vessel Mainly to Blame for Sinking of Philippine Boat in South China Sea, but Filipino Crew Had ‘Deficiencies’: Leaked Report.” South China Morning Post, 8 July 2019. South China Morning Post.
4. Gulla, Vivienne. “PH Authorities Done with Probe on Reed Bank Incident, but Tugade Mum on Findings.” ABS-CBN News, 22 June 2019. ABS-CBN News.
5. Talabong, Rambo. “Chinese Vessel Sinks Philippine Boat in West PH Sea ‘Collision.’” Rappler, 12 June 2019. Rappler.
6. Parrocha, Azer. “PRRD on Reed Bank Incident: Give Other Party Right to Be Heard.” Philippine News Agency, 17 June 2019. Philippine News Agency.
7. Romero, Alexis. “Duterte on Sinking: It Was a Little Maritime Accident.” The Philippine Star, 18 June 2019. Philippine Star.
8. Parrocha, Azer. “PRRD Doesn’t Want Reed Bank Incident Blown into Int’l Crisis.” Philippine News Agency, 18 June 2019. Philippine News Agency.
9. Cervantes, Ding. “‘Sum of All Our Fears’ Seen in Reed Bank Incident.” Punto! Central Luzon, 13 June 2019, punto.com.ph/sum-of-all-our-fears-seen-in-reed-bank-incident/.
10. Ramos, Christia Marie. “Chinese Have No Business Fishing in the Philippines’ EEZ, Says Ex-SolGen.” Inquirer.net, 17 June 2019, https://globalnation.inquirer.net/176429/chinese-have-no-business-fishing-in-phs-eez-says-ex-solgen.
11. Heydarian, Richard. “Defiant Rodrigo Duterte Shrugs Off Reed Bank Incident to Defend His China Policy in Speech.” South China Morning Post, 27 July 2019, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3020140/defiant-rodrigo-duterte-shrugs-reed-bank-incident-defend-his.

1. The abandonment of the Filipino crew during the Reed Bank incident raises important legal questions under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS is an international treaty that establishes the rights and responsibilities of nations regarding their use of the world’s oceans, including guidelines for the protection and welfare of individuals at sea.
   Duty to Assist: Under UNCLOS, especially Article 98, vessels are required to assist those in distress at sea without regard to nationality. This provision mandates that any ship, including the Chinese vessel involved in the incident, must provide help to individuals in peril, such as the 22 Filipino fishermen left abandoned in the sea. The failure of the Chinese ship to render assistance, as reported, could be construed as a violation of this international obligation.
   Abandonment and Negligence: The act of abandoning the crew of F/B Gem-Ver 1, while they were in a distressed situation following a collision, suggests negligence on the part of the Chinese vessel’s crew. If it is determined that the abandonment was intentional or reckless, it could further substantiate claims of violating maritime laws and responsibilities outlined in UNCLOS.
   Liability for Damages: If the investigation establishes that the actions of the Chinese vessel were in violation of UNCLOS, it may warrant accountability under international maritime law. This could involve potential reparations or legal actions against those responsible for the abandonment, particularly if it is proven to be a deliberate act.
   Implications for Maritime Relations: Such violations might not only have legal ramifications but could also strain diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China. Upholding UNCLOS standards is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of all nations’ maritime activities, particularly in contested regions like the South China Sea.
   In summary, the abandonment of the Filipino crew during the Reed Bank incident likely constitutes a violation of UNCLOS obligations, particularly regarding the duty to assist individuals in distress at sea. If confirmed, this can lead to significant legal and diplomatic repercussions for the responsible parties. ↩︎