Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman (Facebook)

Independent minority solon Albay 1st district Rep. Edcel Lagman has called out the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) for its alleged "criminal acts" that led to injuries on members of the Philippine Navy on the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

"The Philippines must demand justice and reparation for the injured Filipino Navy sailors and their damaged vessels as a result of the ruthless assault and aggression of Chinese coast guards in the [WPS], a maritime zone awarded to the Philippines by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016," Lagman said in a statement Wednesday, June 19. 

"The criminal acts of the Chinese coastguards also constituted a violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," noted the Liberal Party (NP) president. 

"The government must demand from China the full identities of the culprits. The Chinese government is also liable as the principal of the culprits," Lagman said. 
 

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The veteran solon said that technically speaking, the incident took place under Philippine jurisdiction. 

"Government vessels are extensions of Philippine territory and sovereignty so much so that the injuries and damages sustained by Filipino naval personnel and seacraft were committed under Philippine jurisdiction," he explained.

Reports said that eight Philippine Navy sailors were injured Monday after CCG vessels blocked and then towed their boats while they were on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. One of the sailors reportedly had a finger cut off. 

Ayungin Shoal is part of the WPS.