By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Friday condemned the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) latest act of aggression in the West Philippine Sea, calling for a firm and unequivocal diplomatic protest following the water cannoning and ramming of a Philippine fisheries research vessel near Pag-asa Island.
A CCG vessel reportedly targeted and sideswiped the BRP Datu Sanday on May 21 while it was on a routine marine scientific research mission near Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay), endangering Filipino scientists aboard.
“This no longer comes as a surprise,” Estrada said in a statement, noting that Chinese harassment of Philippine maritime personnel has been persistent and unrelenting.
“Nonetheless, we will not be intimidated and will stand our ground in protesting each and every provocation and violation of our sovereignty and dignity,” he added.
Estrada stressed the urgency of reinforcing diplomatic channels and fortifying alliances with like-minded nations to ensure regional stability.
“This latest incident highlights the urgent need to strengthen our alliances with like-minded nations who share our commitment to peace, stability, and the rule of law in the region,” he said.
“Dapat natin palakasin ang pakikipag-ugnayan at security cooperation sa ating mga kaalyado para maprotektahan ang ating mga kababayan at ang ating (We must strengthen our coordination and security cooperation with our allies to protect our fellow Filipinos and our) territorial integrity,” he added.
The incident marks the first time a fisheries vessel has been subjected to such aggression near the contested area, according to Philippine authorities.
In a statement issued day after the harassment, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) condemned what it described as “aggressive interference” by China’s vessel against two civilian boats.
The BFAR specifically identified CCG vessel 21559 as having used water cannons and twice sideswiped BRP Datu Sanday, causing damage to its port bow and smokestack, putting the lives of the civilian personnel at serious risk. (PNA)
