Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Tuesday, October 17 said China’s continuing maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea is clearly an attempt to provoke and force the Philippines to fight back and go against the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).

Estrada pointed this out as he condemned the recent incident involving a Chinese navy vessel shadowing and attempting to obstruct the Philippine Navy’s resupply mission in the WPS.

The senator called the incident “a matter of great concern” and “highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities that our nation faces in this region.”

“Kaisa ako ng ating Sandatahang Lakas sa pagkondena sa aksyon ng China People’s Liberation Army navy ship dahil malinaw na inuudyukan nila tayong gumanti o gumawa ng hakbang na salungat sa umiiral na mga prinsipyo sa ilalim ng UNCLOS (I join our Armed Forces in condemning the action of the China People's Liberation Army navy ship because they are clearly inciting us to retaliate or take action contrary to existing principles under UNCLOS),” Estrada said in a statement.

“Ang mga ganitong klase ng pagmamaniobra ng China ay hindi dapat palampasin ng ating mga kinauukulan (These kinds of maneuvers by China should not be overlooked by our authorities),” he said.

In light of this recent incident, the senator urged the government to strengthen its support to the country’s sailors and naval personnel.

“Our Filipino sailors and naval personnel risk their lives to protect our sovereignty and maritime interests. They are the guardians of our seas and it is our duty to show them utmost gratitude and support,” he said.

“Ensuring their safety is paramount, and we must safeguard our nation's rights by doing so,” added Estrada.

But at the same time, Estrada reiterated the importance of continuing to “uphold our rights, protect our territories, and assert our sovereignty through peaceful and legal means.”