Bong Go urges China to stop all forms of bullying, encroachment in the West PH Sea     

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, May 3 has called on China to stop all forms of bullying and encroachment activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
 
Go said he is committed to defend the country’s sovereignty rights and standing up against any intrusion on its territorial waters.
 
"You know we Filipinos, we are a small country, but Filipinos are brave. So I'm begging you, if what the bullying is true, if it's bullying, I'm begging you to stop bullying Filipinos,” said Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense in a recent ambush interview.
 
“Because we are Filipinos we will fight for what is ours. What is ours is ours. That's ours. So stop using violence or bullying.  Just because we are a small country, we will be oppressed, don't do that. Let’s maintain respect," he further stressed.
 
Last April 23, a day after Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited Manila and met with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) claimed the China Coast Guard (CSG) used “dangerous maneuvers” to block its much smaller vessel causing the near-collision of two of their coast guard ships near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. 
 
Last February, the PCG had also reported an incident in which a Chinese security vessel allegedly used a military-grade laser against a Philippine patrol boat in the disputed waters.
 
As tensions in the WPS persist, the senator called for unity in dealing with the challenges posed by China’s assertiveness in the region. He emphasized the importance of defending national interests and promoting peaceful resolutions to territorial disputes, as what former president Rodrigo Duterte did.
 
"As started by (former) president (Rodrigo) Duterte, it is the State's mandate to protect, promote, and fight for what is ours. He doesn't want to fight but it is important that we fight for the country's interest and fight for what is ours," he stressed.