Presidential aspirant and Senator Manny Pacquiao on Sunday said the latest water cannon attack done by the Chinese Coast Guard against a Philippine vessel should be condemned by other countries as well.
Pacquiao said the firing of water cannons and the Chinese attempt to block two Philippine supply ships in the Ayungin Shoal is clearly a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
"This incident is certainly a cause of deep concern. Ayungin shoal is part of our country's exclusive economic zone and our continental shelf,” Pacquiao said in a statement.
“This assault against our fishermen is a clear act of bullying and brinkmanship that must be condemned by all nations,” he added.
China, he said, is signatory to the UNCLOS.
“I urge China to immediately stop this aggressive and provocative actions and pursue cooperative undertakings that are beneficial to all,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodor Locsin, Jr. condemned the latest attack and said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has expressed to China the country’s “outrage, condemnation and protest” on the incident.