Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito has renewed his call for the repatriation of Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian saying his recent pronouncements on the Philippine government has done nothing to ease the tension between the Philippines and China over the hostile actions carried out by the latter in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Ejercito made the call in light of the recent illegal and aggressive act carried out by the Chinese maritime militia against a civilian Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels which were then on their way to bring supplies to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) off Zambales province on Saturday, December 9. 

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea had said that three vessels of the BFAR became the latest targets of water cannon attacks by the China Coast Guard (CCG), describing the action as “not only illegal, but also inhumane” as the boats were on a humanitarian mission.

“To the Chinese Ambassador who confronted Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., saying, ‘Stop provoking us!,’ it is imperative that he be repatriated to China and officially declared persona non grata,” Ejercito said in a statement on Saturday.

“His overt hostility and combative stance are counterproductive, especially when what we need is a diplomatic figure to alleviate tensions between the Philippines and China during this critical period,” he said. 

Ejercito also pointed out that the reported use of water cannons by CCG ships to obstruct and prevent Filipino vessels from receiving essential supplies is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of bullying that has persisted in the past months.

The lawmaker said China's dangerous use of what is believed to be a long-range acoustic device will never be acceptable “because the lives of Filipinos are at stake.”

The senator said the CCG clearly intend to cause damage and target the communication and navigation equipment of the BFAR vessels.

The lawmaker also said the installation of inflatable boats by the Chinese forces in the WPS to drive away the marine boats of Filipino fishermen who are just waiting for food supply can be considered a heartless and inhumane way.

“Moreover, it is important to emphasize that China has no right whatsoever to engage in such activities in our sovereign waters. These incidents not only violate international maritime protocols but also pose a direct and continuous threat to the safety, livelihoods, and well-being of Filipino fishermen,” he said. 

Sen. Francis Tolentino also condemned China’s use of water cannons against civilian research vessels near Bajo de Masinloc within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as it is undermining peace and stability in the region.

"As a flotilla of civilian Filipino vessels prepares to deliver Christmas gifts within the Philippine EEZ, we hope the international community will remain united against harassment and that the festive spirit of generosity and goodwill will not be overshadowed by the forces of intimidation,” Tolentino said. 

“The Chinese Coast Guard should not spoil our Christmas with unwarranted aggression,” he insisted.