Hontiveros condemns Chinese Coast Guard's actions in Ayungin Shoal

A shared outrage with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. was expressed by Senator Risa Hontiveros to the actions made by the Chinese Coast Guard vessels who blocked and water cannoned Philippine boats that were on their way to supply food for military personnel.

"I vehemently condemn the recent incident in Ayungin Shoal," Hontiveros said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 18.

She said the violation of our sovereign rights and jurisdiction is totally "unacceptable."

"I share Sec. Locsin’s outrage and I support his move to protest this incessant bullying to H.E. Huang Xilian, the Ambassador of China, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. It is only right that China and her representatives know that we will not keep mum," she said.

READ MORE: 'Illegal acts': DFA condemns China Coast Guard's blocking of PH supply boats in Ayungjn Shoal

"Alam natin na nasa tama tayo. Atin ang West Philippine Sea, at kailanman, walang karapatan ang Tsina na mag-astang may-ari. Pinanawagan ko rin sa Malacanang na mariing ikondena ang pangyayaring ito (We know that were in the right. The West Philippine Sea is ours and China can never have the right to pretend it's theirs. I also call on the Malacañang to denounce this incident)," she added.

Hontiveros urged the Palace to show to the military personnel, the very same people who risk their lives for the country, that the government will always defend them.

"Handa nila tayong depensahan, ipakita naman natin na hindi rin natin sila iiwan (They are ready to defend us, let us show that we will not forsake them)," she stated.