PH files diplomatic protest vs China anew over water cannon attack

‘INHUMANE’ The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea says the water cannon attack by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Saturday, December 9, 2023, caused “significant damage” to the Datu Bankaw (left). It condemned the CCG’s action as “not as only illegal but also inhumane” for it was directed at a humanitarian mission. —Screen grab from Philippine Coast Guard video

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest against China over its recent aggressions on the West Philippine Sea over the weekend, said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokesperson Teresita Daza on Monday.

“Yes [we filed a diplomatic protest], we used the maritime communication mechanism, and it was used yesterday at 12 o’clock noon. The DFA launched its diplomatic protest with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a phone call,” she said during a media briefing.

Last Saturday, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels fired water cannons at Philippine civilian ships conducting a humanitarian mission for Filipino fishermen off Scarborough Shoal.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the CCG and Chinese Maritime Militia also used water cannons against local vessels en route for a regular rotation and resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre.

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