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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros: China should be held accountable for latest water cannon attack

Hontiveros: China should be held accountable for latest water cannon attack

Published Dec 14, 2025 03:35 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Risa Hontiveros denounced on Sunday, December 14, China's latest attack on Philippine vessels saying the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia should be held accountable for the water cannon blasts.


Senator Risa Hontiveros denounced on Sunday, December 14, China’s latest attack on Philippine vessels saying the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia should be held accountable for the water cannon blasts.

“I strongly denounce China’s relentless aggression against our fisherfolk. Hindi na nga maayos na makapaghanapbuhay ang ating mangingisda sa sarili nating karagatan, sasaktan pa nila (Our fishermen can no longer make a decent living in our own oceans, will they still harm us)?” Hontiveros pointed out.

At least three Filipino fishermen reportedly suffered serious injuries and open wounds during the incident which occurred on Saturday, December 13. Two boats were also damaged due to the high-pressure water cannon blast.

The incident allegedly occurred near Escoda Shoal, within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Hontiveros said China is seemingly “intent on getting what she wants at the cost of not only our territories, but also our people.”

Thus, she said, this escalating violence must compel the Philippine government to immediately fast-track defense treaty negotiations with like-minded countries.

“Our fisherfolk must not be left defenseless. More Coast Guard personnel and vessels must accompany them to the West Philippine Sea,” she said.

“Lagyan na ng malinaw na budget at sapat na suporta ang ganitong inisyatibo. Huwag nating hayaang mag-isa at walang proteksyon ang ating mga mangingisda (Give this initiative a clear budget and sufficient support. Let's not leave our fishermen alone and unprotected),” she stressed.

Moreover, Hontiveros called on the government immediately strengthen all maritime and defense capabilities “as much as we can, as soon as we can.”

“May Navy na nawalan ng daliri, mga Coast Guard crew na nagkaroon ng temporary blindness, at ngayon, mga mangingisdang nasugatan (There are Navy personnel who lost fingers, Coast Guard crews who suffered temporary blindness, and now, fishermen who were injured),” she noted.

“We cannot afford to be unprepared as China continues to endanger Filipino lives,” the lawmaker reiterated.

Related Tags

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