West Philippine Sea (Wikipedia)

The chairman of the House Special Committee on West Philippine Sea (WPS) has branded as a "serious cause for concern" the continued activities of Chinese vessels in the WPS. 

"Tensions are high, and it comes when we are experiencing numerous simultaneous conflicts around the world. The frequent incidents prompted by Chinese vessels in the WPS is a serious cause for concern," Mandaluyong City lone district Rep. Neptali Gonzales II said during a hearing of the panel on Tuesday morning, Nov. 7. 

Tackled during the panel hearing, among other things was the Oct. 22 incident wherein two Chinese Coast Guard ships conducted a “dangerous maneuver” and collided with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-contracted supply boat Unaiza May 2.  

The collision took place during the Philippines' routine and regular rotation and resupply (Ro-Re) mission to the BRP Sierra Madre stationed at Ayungin Shoal. 

"As I have previously said, our committee is committed to safeguarding the interests of the Philippines and its people," underscored Gonzales, a former deputy speaker and majority leader. 

"And so, we called this meeting to serve as a platform for open dialogue, ensuring that we address the challenges head-on and work towards a peaceful, cooperative future in the [WPS]," added Gonzales. 

The hearing of the Gonzales panel--ordered by House Speaker Martin Romualdez--was seen as consistent with President Marcos' pronouncements on protecting the country’s territorial integrity. 

Before winning the presidency, Marcos vowed in February 2022 that the Philippines under his leadership "won't lose an inch" of its territory. 

The panel heaing, which is ongoing as of this posting, includes a briefing by the National Task Force for the WPS and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 

The operators and crew members of the two AFP -contracted boats – Unaiza May 1 and Unaiza May 2 – as well as several media practitioner-witnesses also took part in the proceedings. 

Gonzales said that no less than Romualdez has said that the Chinese Coast Guard’s collisions with Philippine boats "have placed the lives of passengers in the vessels in danger and regional peace and stability at risk".