Lawmakers on Sunday condemned the China Coast Guard’s (CCG’s) obstruction and use of water cannons in opposition to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels that have been on their solution to the Ayungin Shoal.
A day earlier, the PCG stated the CCG used “dangerous maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons” in opposition to vessels of the PCG which have been escorting indigenous boats to ship meals, water, gas, and different provides to navy troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre.
In separate statements, senators known as on the federal government to heed the current decision which seeks to accentuate efforts in “asserting and securing” the Philippines’ sovereignty.
The programs of motion supplied within the decision included bringing worldwide consideration to China’s harassment of Filipino fishermen within the Philippine unique financial zone (EEZ) and using worldwide fora to rally multilateral help for the enforcement of the Hague Ruling.
Senator Risa Hontiveros known as on different nations to hitch the Philippines in condemning the CCG’s “dangerous behavior.”
“The Chinese Coast Guard has absolutely no right to block, let alone water cannon, our supply vessels. Wala silang karapatang gutumin ang mga Pilipino sa Ayungin Shoal (They do not have any right to starve the Filipinos in the Ayungin Shoal),” she stated.
“China’s repeated provocations are in complete violation of UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award. I call on our regional neighbors and the broader international community to join the Philippines in condemning this dangerous behavior,” she added.
This was echoed by Senator JV Ejercito, who stated that the rudeness displayed by the CCG was insulting and insupportable.
“The fact that this incident happened shortly after the Senate of the Philippines approved a resolution seeking to raise China’s bullying before the United Nations makes it even more insulting,” he stated.
“We cannot let this slip. This is too much already! Nakakapikon na ang Tsina! Sobra na ang pambabastos ng Tsina sa ating Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, at mga mangingisda. Teritoryo, seguridad, at kapayapaan na ang nakataya rito!” he added.
(China’s rudeness in direction of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and our fisherfolk is getting on my nerves. Territory, safety, and peace are at stake right here!)
Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva stated Chinese “bullying” needed to cease, as he cited Senate Resolution 79 which condemns such conduct.
“We need to have a strong stance against the continuous harassment of the Chinese Coast Guard on our Philippine Coast Guard — in our very own territory!” stated Villanueva.
“Your Senate is always ready to fight for and protect the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights. We urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to implement the courses of action stipulated in the resolution passed by the Senate to finally put an end to this harassment and bullying by China,” he added.
For his half, Senator Bong Revilla stated China and its consultant ought to clarify the current incident.
“China should reconsider their tactics and end these antics if they are sincere in promoting its relationship with the Philippines,” he stated.
“The Chinese Ambassador has a lot of explaining to do, and must not shirk away from the obligation to shepherd the maintenance of diplomatic relations, especially with yet another blatant disregard of our autonomy and sovereignty,” he added.
The Philippines received a 2016 landmark ruling by a world tribunal that invalidated Beijing’s huge South China Sea claims.
China has refused to acknowledge the ruling, with over 50 of its vessels noticed within the neighborhood of the Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal, as reported by the Western Command earlier this month.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. final November stated he known as on Chinese officers to uphold worldwide regulation and observe the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to areas of the South China Sea. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
