By Wilnard Bacelonia

BELLIGERENCE. The Chinese Coast Guard vessel 3103 as seen from BRP Cabra on Jan. 23, 2025. Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Monday (Jan. 27) condemned CCG-3103’s use of a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) to harass Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels in the West Philippine Sea last Jan. 25, calling it an unacceptable provocation and a serious escalation of aggressive tactics. (PCG photo)

MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Monday condemned China’s use of a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) to harass Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels in the West Philippine Sea, calling it an “unacceptable provocation” and a serious escalation of aggressive tactics.

The PCG said China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3103 used the acoustic weapon on Jan. 25.

Kailanman ay hindi magiging katanggap-tanggap ang pananakot, harassment at pang-aabuso sa ating karapatan, lalo na’t nilalagay sa panganib ang mga nagpapatrolya ng ating mga karagatan (Intimidation, harassment and abuse of our rights will never be acceptable, especially if it puts those who patrol our oceans at risk),” Estrada said in a statement.

He added that the use of the device, which poses risks of irreversible hearing damage, constitutes a grave violation of international maritime laws.

Estrada urged China to stop its provocative actions and “adhere to international norms.”

He also called on the global community to support the Philippines in upholding international law and ensuring freedom of navigation.

In light of this, the senator highlighted the significance of the Philippines’ participation in Talisman Sabre 2025, the largest joint military exercise between Australia and the United States.

“This undertaking emphasizes the importance of regional defense cooperation. Strengthening our ties with allies and partners through such engagements is vital to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” the lawmaker said. (PNA)