Senators react on latest attack of China against PH vessels

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Several senators have condemned China’s latest hostile behavior against Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

In separate statements, senators aired their frustration with the Chinese Coast Guard’s (CCG) water cannon attack against three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels conducting a humanitarian mission for Filipino fishermen off Scarborough Shoal and three Philippine vessels during a regular rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission on December 9 and 10, respectively.

READ: China ship hits PH vessels on humanitarian drive with water cannon in West PH Sea

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to send the current Chinese Ambassador back home for not doing anything to address the recent attack. He likewise said that China has “no heart” for “deliberately damaging Philippine vessels and endangering the lives of Filipino people.”

“This time, China not only caused us great damage to property, but they also put Filipino lives at risk. This was a humanitarian mission, and still, China chose to attack them. They have no heart,” Zubiri said.

“I urge President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to send the current Chinese Ambassador home. He has done nothing to address the continued attacks of his government on our troops and our people,” he added.

For her part, Senator Grace Poe said the government should continue coordinating with countries that support the country’s stance to prevent China’s aggression.

“With China’s bullying rearing its ugly head anew with the water cannon firing, we must be consistently resolute in defending our territory,” Poe said.

“The intentional attack is a violation of international law. But we must not be cowed by every harassment. We must not retreat in protecting our seas. We have the backing of like-minded allies as we continue to stand for our lawful maritime rights,” she added.

On the other hand, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva reiterated that China must adhere to international laws, which clearly state the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea.

“The Philippines may be facing a giant in the West Philippine Sea, but we must also be reminded that David had defeated Goliath […] Kahit gaano pa karaming armas at kalaking barko ang iharang ng China, hindi magbabago ang katotohanan na ang pinaglalabanang teritoryo ay sa Pilipino,” Villanueva said.

(No matter how many weapons and big ships China installs, the fact that the contested territory belongs to the Philippines will not change.)

Likewise, Senator Jinggoy Estrada urged the Chinese government to respect international law, “exercise restraint, and cease all actions that jeopardize the peace and security of the region.”

“The Philippines has consistently advocated for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to disputes, and we call on all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue to address the root causes of these incidents. We must pursue avenues that promote cooperation, understanding, and respect for each other’s rights in the pursuit of a stable and secure region,” Estrada said.

“We stand united in condemning these latest aggressive actions taken by CCG. We will not be cowed by any actions to intimidate or undermine our sovereign rights,” he added.