Maritime disputes between the Philippines and China continue to pile up as the Philippines files another diplomatic protest this time over China vessel's alleged intrusion of the Ayungin Reef off the coast of Palawan.

Filed on May 10, the protest was incumbent as the said reef is well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, according to Philippine Foreign Affairs secretary Raul Hernandez. As such, it is covered by the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea.

Two Chinese maritime surveillance ships and one warship were reportedly spotted in the area, aside from Chinese fishing vessels encroaching in the reef's maritime resources.

The protest is being made "because we believe that Ayungin is an integral part of our national territory," Mr. Hernandez said.

"Lately, we have been monitoring the movements of the fishing vessels," he added. He said this move is essential in gathering information so that proper agencies can respond accordingly to the situation.

When asked if there are no plans to engage the Chinese following the Philippines' recent row with Taiwan, the secretary only said that concerned "agencies are already mandated to protect our territories."

"Our government agencies, Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, are mandated to make sure that there are no intrusions in Philippine waters and only we are able to explore in our EEZ."

Mr. Hernandez declined to give additional details as to extent of operations these agencies will perform in carrying out the mandate.

"Nobody should question our resolve on (ensuring) that what is ours will be respected," the secretary said.

Recently, Taiwan sanctioned the Philippines following the fateful shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by a Philippine patrol boat.

The Philippines has since apologized but Taiwan declined the apology saying it was unsatisfactory. There are reports now of hostilities toward Filipino overseas workers who bear the brunt of the unfortunate incident.