Senators on Sunday, October 22 strongly condemned the “abhorrent” actions committed by the Chinese Coast Guard after Chinese vessels hit an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)- contracted resupply boat and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship in the West Philippine Sea this morning.
“I am one with peace-loving Filipinos in strongly condemning this latest abhorrent actions of the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia that put in danger the lives of our brave countrymen who were on a routine resupply mission to our troops in Ayungin Shoal,” Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said in a statement.
At the same time, Zubiri commended the PCG and AFP personnel for displaying courage and restraint in continuing their resupply missions despite the hostile and treacherous acts of China Coast Guard and their maritime militia.
“I also call on China Coast Guard to respect human lives and abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international laws governing safe maritime travel,” the Senate leader said.
“Our freedom of navigation in our own exclusive economic zone (EEZ) within our own continental shelf should be recognized and upheld,” he stressed.
At the same time, the Senate leader also reiterated his commitment to support and fast track efforts seeking to increase the budget for the PCG and AFP to capacitate them in safeguarding national security particularly in the country’s EEZ and against illegal foreign intrusions in the WPS.
“As leader of the Senate, I will make sure that our troops will get sufficient funds under the 2024 national budget to bankroll the much-needed upgrade of their equipment,” Zubiri said.
Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, likewise, called on authorities to carefully study their next steps following the incident.
“This is a violation of our sovereign rights and an assault on our maritime personnel; it is completely unacceptable. Will a mere diplomatic protest still suffice?” Estrada pointed out in a separate statement.
“We must defend our rights and protect our citizens from harm,” he added.
Estrada also strongly condemned what he said is “reckless and hostile” behavior of the Chinese Coast Guard towards Philippine authorities.
“These actions not only violate maritime norms and international law but also pose a threat to the safety and security of the region,” he said.
“Makailang beses nang ginagawa ang panghaharang sa ating mga sasakyang pandagat at nangyari na ang pinangangambahan natin na insidente. Hindi na katanggap-tanggap ang pangyayaring ito. Aksidente man o hindi, patunay ito ng kawalan ng respeto sa atin at sa buhay ng ating mga kababayan (They have done these maneuvers on our ships repeatedly and finally the incident we feared has happened. This is not acceptable. Accident or not, this is proof of their lack of respect to us and to the lives of our people),” Estrada reiterated.
Sen. Francis Tolentino, likewise, said the incident is also proof of China’s lack of respect for international law and basic maritime safety.
The incident also warrants a thorough investigation under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the Code for Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Deputy Senate minority leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the latest collision is “squarely the China Coast Guard’s fault” and called on the international community to join the Philippines in further condemning China’s most recent violence against the Filipino people.”
“Our nations should not stop fighting for the rule of law. It is the only way to have a chance at true peace and stability across the region and the world,” Hontiveros said.