MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Professional Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has strongly condemned the latest actions of the Chinese language Coast Guard (CCG) and Folks’s Liberation Military Navy (PLAN) in opposition to Philippine maritime personnel, calling the incident an “unwarranted and blatant violation of worldwide regulation.”
Estrada’s assertion follows a disturbing escalation within the West Philippine Sea, the place Chinese language ships fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels and rammed the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Assets (BFAR) ship, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, as each companies performed reputable operations throughout the nation’s maritime jurisdiction.
“These newest aggressive actions in opposition to our maritime personnel and scientists ought to immediate our involved companies to raise the matter earlier than a global physique,” Estrada mentioned in a press release launched on Wednesday.
He emphasised that such actions are a direct affront to the sovereignty of the Philippines, notably given the peaceable nature of the missions being carried out by the PCG and BFAR.
READ: Sen. Estrada curses at China’s aggression in West Philippine Sea
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Estrada identified the clear imbalance in these confrontations, referring to the 5 Chinese language vessels pitted in opposition to solely two Philippine ships. “Lima laban sa dalawa, might water cannon pa. Malinaw na pambu-bully at harassment ang ginawa sa ating maritime personnel at maritime scientists,” he mentioned, underscoring the bullying ways utilized by China’s forces.
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The Senate chief referred to as on China to stop its provocative actions and as an alternative interact in constructive dialogue with the Philippines. “China ought to interact in peaceable negotiations slightly than resorting to hostile confrontation,” Estrada acknowledged.
He additional urged the worldwide neighborhood to hitch the Philippines in condemning these aggressive acts and to help efforts geared toward upholding worldwide regulation within the West Philippine Sea.
“The trail to lasting peace and stability within the area lies in cooperation, not confrontation,” Estrada careworn, reaffirming the necessity for a multilateral strategy to resolve ongoing maritime disputes within the area.
READ: Kiko Pangilinan condemns newest Chinese language bullying in West Philippine Sea
Estrada’s assertion comes amid heightened tensions within the South China Sea, the place competing territorial claims proceed to gas diplomatic and navy standoffs. Because the Philippines seeks to guard its territorial integrity, Estrada’s remarks function a name for unity and solidarity within the face of mounting exterior pressures.