(Philippine Coast Guard)

Bukidnon 2nd district Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores says the Philippines must get tough with China sooner or later given the rising aggression that the Chinese have displayed toward the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

"Sooner or later we have to take a tougher stand against China and the [WPS]," a visibly incensed Flores told House reporters in a chance interview Wednesday, June 19. 

Flores, chairman of the House Committee on Government Reorganization, was reacting to the latest aggressive acts by the China Coast Guard (CCG) on Monday. 

"As I've said before, kung continuously tinataas (if the aggression continuously rises), we can no longer pretend that it's just raining outside," he said 

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. 

READ THIS: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/19/lagman-slams-china-coast-guard-for-criminal-acts-says-china-government-liable

"Sumusobra na talaga mga Intsik, ang aggression na pinapakita nila sa [WPS] even if resupply mission lang sana yun. Parang pambabastos na sa sovereignty ng Pilipinas," Flores said. 

(This is too much aggression on the part of the Chinese, even if it's on a mere resupply mission. It's disrespecting Philippine sovereignty.)