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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China must be held accountable for latest water cannon attack on Pinoy fishermen, ranking solons say

China must be held accountable for latest water cannon attack on Pinoy fishermen, ranking solons say

Published Dec 14, 2025 02:32 am

At A Glance

  • Ranking members of the House of Representatives are calling on the international community to hold China accountable for its escalating aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
From left to right: 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Manila 1st district Rep. Ernix Dionisio (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
From left to right: 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Manila 1st district Rep. Ernix Dionisio (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Ranking members of the House of Representatives are calling on the international community to hold China accountable for its escalating aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This, as Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V (La Union, 1st district), Jay Khonghun (Zambales, 1st district); and Deputy Majority Leaders Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, 1st district), Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list), and Ernix Dionisio (Manila, 1st district)--collectively known as the "Young Guns"--highlighted on Saturday night, Dec. 13 the need to return to a "rules-based dialogue" when it comes to dealing with the China issue.
"We reaffirm our commitment to defending Philippine sovereignty and supporting our fishermen and coast guard personnel who safeguard our maritime domain," they said.
The "escalating aggression" that the congressmen were referring to was the China Coast Guard's (CCG) alleged use of high-pressure water cannons Filipino fishing boats near Sabina Shoal (also known as Escoda Shoal) in the WPS on Friday, Dec. 12.
They described the water cannon attack as both dangerous and unlawful.
"Three brave Filipino fishermen sustained injuries, including bruises and open wounds, while two indigenous fishing vessels suffered significant damage," the solons noted.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said, “The [CCG] used high-pressure water cannons that caused injuries to Filipino fishermen. These were so powerful that they even destroyed wooden structures and parts of the indigenous fishing boats.”
Accordong to the House clique, the reckless act of aggression targeted nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats lawfully operating within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The lives and livelihoods of ordinary fishermen who were merely trying to provide for their families were endangered, they said.
"We express our deepest concern and solidarity with the wounded and bruised Filipino fishermen. Their courage in pursuing their traditional fishing grounds despite such threats embodies the resilience of the Filipino people. We pray for their swift recovery and stand ready to support any necessary assistance," said the Young Guns.
"At the same time, we commend and thank the [PCG] for their unwavering professionalism and dedication. Despite repeated blocking maneuvers by Chinese vessels, the PCG successfully reached the affected fishermen, provided immediate medical attention to the injured, and delivered essential supplies," they said.
They reckoned that such provocative actions by the [CCG] violate international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which unequivocally affirm the Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
"These incidents undermine regional peace and stability and cannot be tolerated," they said.
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