Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Monday, January 27 slammed China’s use of a deafening sonic device against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels saying it signifies its intention to intensify its “aggressive tactics” against the country.
“China’s use of a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) to harass our PCG vessels is an unacceptable provocation and represents a significant escalation of its aggressive tactics,” said Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security.
“This unwarranted and hostile behavior—which could cause potentially irreversible hearing damage—is a grave violation of international maritime laws,” he pointed out.
Estrada reiterated that intimidation, harassment and abuse one’s sovereign rights will never be acceptable, especially when it endangers those who patrol the country’s oceans.
“I urge the Chinese government to cease all provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea and adhere to international norms,” he stressed.
“I also call on the international community to support our efforts in upholding international law and ensuring the freedom of navigation,” he appealed.
With this latest development, Estrada said he considers the Philippines’ participation in the largest joint military exercise between Australia and the United States, the Talisman Sabre Exercise 2025, as a significant milestone.
“This undertaking emphasizes the importance of regional defense cooperation,” the senator said.
“Strengthening our ties with allies and partners through such engagements is vital to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela, the
China Coast Guard (CCG) 3103 used the device apparently to deter the PCG’s BRP Cabra from getting closer to the Chinese ship.
Tarriela said the said Chinese coast guard vessel was said to be escorted by the 12,000-ton CCG 5901 “monster ship,” considered the world’s biggest coast guard vessel.