I call on our maritime and naval forces to enhance vigilance and increase patrols, as well as to take proactive measures in monitoring potential threats or violations by Chinese ships and militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
The incident that occurred on Saturday, June 7, when a Chinese vessel ran aground near Pag-asa Island—just two nautical miles away—raises serious concerns about our territorial integrity and security.
While the incident was reported to have resulted from bad weather in the area, I cannot dismiss the possibility that it may have been a deliberate encroachment, given their previous actions.
Hindi natin dapat ipagkibit-balikat ang mga ganitong pangyayari lalo na’t papalapit nang papalapit ang mga naiuulat na presensya ng mga Chinese vessels sa ating exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The prompt actions of our Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard to assess the situation on-site were commendable. We must not allow any potential incursions to go unchecked or become normalized.