Expressing his deep concern over the latest incident, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has called China to observe mutual respect which he said is key to deescalating the growing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
At the same time, Go strongly condemned the recent aggressive June 17 encounter between the Philippine Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard in Ayungin Shoal where a Filipino naval officer was seriously injured and Chinese personnel forcefully siezed the boats manned by the Philippine Navy.
Go, who serves as the vice chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, called for a full investigation on the matter to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
"Mutual respect, especially among sovereign states, is key to de-escalating and resolving disputes," Go stated.
“As responsible members of the international community, our behavior as states must be consistent with the principles and values, including the peaceful settlement of disputes, as stated in the United Nations Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which the Philippines and China are both signatories to,” he said.
“We should not tolerate raising tensions in the region. We must work towards de-escalation. The last thing anyone would want is an armed confrontation or conflict,” he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has denounced the "illegal and aggressive actions" of the Chinese near Ayungin Shoal, citing the disruptive impact of their actions over attempts to nurture a conducive dialogue environment with China regarding the South China Sea disputes.
"Stop this bullying! Hangad nating maresolba ang mga isyu na ito sa mapayapa at diplomatikong paraan (We wish to resolve the issues in a peaceful and diplomatic manner),” he pointed out.
“Let me reiterate: what is ours is ours. Not even a single square inch should be given up. Ipaglaban natin ang tunay na atin dahil kahit maliit na bansa lang tayo, kilala tayong lumalaban nang patas para sa kung ano ang tama at nararapat (Let us fight what is really ours even if we are just a small nation, we will be known for fighting fairly and in a manner that is right),” Go stressed.