Senators on Monday, June 3 slammed the “wanton disregard” that the China Coast Guard (CCG) exhibited against Filipino soldiers calling them “despicable and callous.”

“China's continued wanton disregard for valuable food resources is now on full display. Hindi lang pala likas yaman ang sinasayang nilang pagkain, pati supply ng pagkain ng ating mga tropa, sinayang nila (They are not just destroying natural resources, they also waste food, even food supplies for our troops, they wasted it),” Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said in a statement.

“Kasuklam-suklam rin ang pagharang nila sa serbisyong medikal ng mga sundalo (Their move to ban medical services for our soldiers is also disgusting).Despicable and callous,” Hontiveros added.

“Wala na nga silang respeto sa soberanya ng Pilipinas, wala pang pinapakitang respeto sa kapwa nila tao (They have no respect for the sovereignty of the Philippines, they have shown no respect for their fellow human beings),” she stressed.

Hontiveros made the call after CCG allegedly seized and dumped in the sea food and other supplies meant for Filipino troops stationed at a remote post in Ayungin Shoal and reportedly obstructing a medical evacuation of ailing soldiers last May 19. 

If the government has to have a chance at settling the disputes, China must show a measure of good faith by reigning in her Coast Guard, the lawmaker said.

“Kahit karagatan natin, ni minsan, hindi nangharass at nambastos ang ating tropa laban sa mga Tsino ( Even in our ocean, not once did our troops harass and insult the Chinese),” she pointed out.

“Our troops have been guarding the BRP Sierra Madre with integrity, dignity, and honor. Saludo ako sa kanilang katapangan at hinahon sa gitna ng panliligalig ng Tsina (I salute their bravery and calmnes in the midst of China’s aggression),” she said.

“I trust that the Department of National Defense (DND) will reinforce our soldiers stationed on Ayungin Shoal. We will not allow China to relentlessly demean our troops, our people,” Hontiveros stressed.

Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay also expressed her deep concern and condemnation over the recent actions by the Chinese coast guards in Ayungin Shoal. 

“Be it in times of war or in peace, it is imperative that all nations uphold the principles of empathy, compassion, and respect for human life as enshrined in the Geneva Convention,” Binay said.

She also said such actions by the China Coast Guard show a blatant disregard for the basic principles of humane treatment and concern, violating the agreed protocols of the Geneva Convention that stipulate the humane treatment of the wounded and sick.

“Ang ganitong mga aksyon ay nagpapakita ng tahasang pagwawalang-bahala sa mga pangunahing prinsipyo ng makataong pagtrato at malasakit, na lumalabag sa mga napagkasunduang protokol ng Geneva Convention na nagtatakda ng makataong pagtrato sa mga sugatan at may sakit (Such actions show a blatant disregard for the basic principles of humane treatment and concern, violating the agreed protocols of the Geneva Convention that stipulate the humane treatment of the wounded and sick),” she said. 

Binay also stressed that obstruction of medical aid to Filipino personnel is an affront to these international norms and human dignity.

“Handa ang Pilipinas na itaas ang usaping ito sa pinakamataas na pandaigdigang mga forum, kabilang ang United Nations, upang makamit ang katarungan at masiguro ang proteksyon ng mga karapatan ng ating mga mamamayan (The Philippines is ready to elevate this issue to the highest global forum, including the United Nations, so we can achieve justice and ensure protection of the rights of our people),” she said.

Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara also said the government should make a call to China to exercise restraint and not to impede regular and non-hostile activities involving Philippine personnel, including resupply and medical missions necessary for their health and well-being. 

“The Philippines has not engaged in any action to provoke such a response from the Chinese Coast Guard and has always maintained that any dispute between parties must be resolved through diplomatic and lawful means,” Angara said. 

“This act from the CCG endangers the lives of our Filipino troops stationed at the Ayungin Shoal and could be deemed as a violation of their human rights. We call on the Executive to pursue all remedies available to the country in ensuring the safety and welfare of all Filipino citizens,” he emphasized. 

Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. also said that in no uncertain terms, what the CCG did was “inhumane” and can even be considered “piracy.”

“The President has clearly articulated our position in the WPS (West Philippine Sea) in the recently concluded 21st IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. We will not cede any inch of our territory and territorial rights, and we are taking notice of the bullying and provocations against our countrymen and our nation,” Revilla said. 

“International law and commity between states must prevail, and all contrary actions by any state party should stop,” he added.