(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has urged the international community to condemn the latest Chinese harassment of a Philippine ship in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“I call upon the international community to join us in condemning these acts of aggression and support our efforts in upholding the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
“The path to lasting peace and stability in the region lies in cooperation, not confrontation,” added the lawmaker.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that on the morning of Wednesday (Dec. 4) China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels sideswiped and blasted a water cannon at a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) boat in the Bajo de Masinloc.
At around the same time a PCG vessel was harassed by two CCG ships and two People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels nearby.
“Unwarranted and blatant violation of international law, these latest aggressive actions of the Chinese Coast Guard against our maritime personnel and scientists should prompt our concerned agencies to elevate the matter before an international body,” said Estrada.
“These hostile acts against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) BRP Datu Pagbuaya performing legitimate duties within our maritime jurisdiction is an affront to our nation’s sovereignty,” he added.
Estrada appealed to China to “cease these provocative actions and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resort to hostile confrontation.”
“Lima laban sa dalawa, may water cannon pa,” lamented the lawmaker.
“Malinaw na pambu-bully at harassment ang ginawa sa ating maritime personnel at maritime scientists ng limang pwersa ng CCG at People’s Liberation Army Navy,” he pointed out.