(POLITIKO) Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has urged China to stop all provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea.
“I urge the Chinese government to cease all provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea and adhere to international norms,” he said.
“I also call on the international community to support our efforts in upholding international law and ensuring the freedom of navigation,” he added.
Estrada made the call after learning that a China Coast Guard vessel sailing off the coast of Zambales used a long range acoustic device (LRAD) against Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships last Saturday (Jan. 25).
“This unwarranted and hostile behavior, which could cause potentially irreversible hearing damage, is a grave violation of international maritime laws,” he said.
Estrada said the use of LRAD against PCG vessels is “an unacceptable provocation and represents a significant escalation of its aggressive tactics.”
“Kailanman ay hindi magiging katanggap-tanggap ang pananakot, harassment at pang-aabuso sa ating karapatan lalo na’t nilalagay sa panganib ang mga nagpapatrolya ng ating mga karagatan,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Estrada welcomed the Philippine participation in Talisman Sabre Exercise 2025, the largest joint military exercise between Australia and the United States.
“This undertaking emphasizes the importance of regional defense cooperation,” said the lawmaker.
“Strengthening our ties with allies and partners through such engagements is vital to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.