Photo credit: PTV

An official assessment by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSDS) has put a price tag on the damage caused by a Chinese maritime militia vessel that ran aground on Pag-asa Reef last month: approximately P11.1 million. The incident, which left parts of the coral reef damaged, has sparked renewed calls for both accountability and immediate rehabilitation of the area.

According to the PCSDS, the estimate reflects the loss and degradation of coral ecosystems in the affected section of the reef. Their findings were endorsed by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), which echoed the recommendation to impose penalties on the foreign vessel responsible, in line with Philippine environmental and maritime laws. The task force also stressed the need to carry out restoration efforts as soon as possible to mitigate long-term harm to the reef.

Following the grounding, authorities discovered a parachute anchor believed to have been left behind by the Chinese vessel at the site. Such anchors are designed to slow or stabilize vessels at sea but can cause considerable damage to delicate marine environments if dragged across coral reefs.

Pag-asa Reef, part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea, is home to diverse marine life and forms part of a vital fishing ground for coastal communities. The PCSDS noted that damage to coral reefs not only diminishes biodiversity but also undermines the livelihood of fisherfolk and the resilience of the reef system itself.

The NTF-WPS emphasized that enforcing penalties and rehabilitating the site sends a clear message about the Philippines’ commitment to protecting its marine resources and upholding sovereignty in its waters.

As investigations continue and preparations for rehabilitation are underway, marine conservationists and government agencies alike are calling for heightened vigilance in safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas such as Pag-asa Reef from similar incidents in the future.