PH urged to review strategies vs China’s illegal acts

‘DANGEROUS, IRRESPONSIBLE’ In this screenshot of a video taken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) some 2 kilometers east of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, China Coast Guard Vessel No. 5203 blocks a boat contracted by AFP for a resupply mission on Sunday morning in that area of West Philippine Sea.

MANILA,  Philippines— It is now time for the Philippines to seriously rethink its strategies in dealing with China’s violations within the country’s territorial waters, Senator Grace Poe said on Monday.

Poe and Senator JV Ejercito joined their colleagues in the Senate in condemning the “dangerous blocking maneuvers” by Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday.

The actions resulted in collisions with Philippine boats conducting regular resupply missions to Filipino troops stationed on Ayungin Shoal.

“While an immediate diplomatic protest is anticipated, the recent incident calls for a serious rethinking of our strategies in dealing with these acts,” Poe said in a  statement.

“As we firmly assert our rights in our waters, fortifying our relations with like-minded states must continue to thwart similar belligerent actions,” she added.

Poe feared this latest aggression would not only heighten the tension between China and the Philippines “but could also be a potential flashpoint in the region.”

In a separate statement, Ejercito also blasted China, saying it “has gone too far in disrespecting the  Philippines.”

“The reckless maneuvers executed by the CCG (China Coast Guard), which resulted in a collision with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-contracted resupply vessel, were not only provocative but also a blatant act of bullying that must be denounced, not only by us but by the international community,” he said.

The senator then urged Filipinos to strongly assert the 2016 arbitral ruling, which clearly affirms the country’s exclusive rights over the West Philippine Sea.

At the same time, Ejercito reminded the government of its duty “to ensure the safety of our waters for all Filipinos.”

“We cannot and will not allow such incidents to jeopardize the safety of our people, particularly those who serve in our armed forces and the PCG,” he said.

The senator also believes it is high time to expedite the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect its sovereignty, safeguard maritime interests, and ensure the safety and security of Filipinos.

APL/abc