China's latest act of aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) deserves a measure of action from the Philippine government, especially since local fishermen were harmed.

Thus, said House Deputy Minority Leader Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, who on Sunday morning, Dec. 14 expressed deep concern over the development.

"We strongly condemn the recent harassment by the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the [WPS], including the deliberate firing of water cannons at Filipino fishing boats that injured three of our fishermen, as well as dangerous maneuvers against our Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels," she said.

The incident reportedly took place near Sabina Shoal (also known as Escoda Shoal) in the WPS on Friday, Dec. 12.

"This is utterly outrageous and deeply concerning. Bukod sa pagkasira ng mga bangka at pagkakait sa ating mga mangingisda ng kanilang kabuhayan sa ating teritoryo, inilagay ng [CCG] sa matinding panganib ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan," De Lima noted.

(Apart from the destruction of boats and the deprivation of our fishermen of their livelihood in our territory, the CCG has placed the lives of our countrymen in grave danger.)

"This serious violation of our fishermen’s rights demands urgent and necessary action from the government," said the former senator and Department of Justice (DOJ) secretary.

"Nakababahala na tinatarget na ng [CCG] ng water cannon ang mismong mga bangka ng ating mga mangingisda, at posibleng gawin nila ito ulit, kaya hindi pwedeng hayaan at palampasin lang ito ng pamahalaan," she said.

(It is alarming that the CCG is now targeting the very boats of our fishermen with water cannons, and they may do this again, so the government cannot simply allow and overlook this.)

De Lima hailed the efforts of the PCG in coming to the aid of the injured fishermen.

"We laud the PCG and our Filipino fishermen for rescuing and providing medical care to our injured countrymen. Maraming salamat po sa inyong tapang, paninindigan, at higit sa lahat, sa malasakit sa kapwa Pilipino sa kabila ng peligro," she said.

(Thank you very much for your courage, your steadfastness, and above all, your compassion for fellow Filipinos despite the danger.)