JV Ejercito

3 hours ago

Official Statement of Senator JV Ejercito on the recent illegal and aggressive actions carried out by the Chinese vessels against the civilian BFAR vessels

I strongly denounce the recent aggressive actions of China against Filipino vessels near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea. The reported use of water cannons by Chinese Coast Guard ships to obstruct and prevent Filipino vessels from receiving essential supplies is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of bullying that has persisted in the past months.

Ang mapanganib na paggamit ng Tsina ng pinaniniwalaang long-range acoustic device ay kailanman ay hindi magiging katanggap-tanggap dahil buhay ng mga Pilipino ang nakataya rito. Malinaw na intensyon ng Chinese vessels na magdulot ng pinsala at targetin ang kagamitang pang-komunikasyon at nabigasyon ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels ng Pilipinas.

Samantala, ang paglalagay ng inflatable boats ng pwersa ng Tsina sa ating karagatan para palayasin ang mga bangkang pandagat ng mga Pilipinong mangingisda na naghihintay lamang ng suplay ng pagkain ay maituturing na walang puso at hindi makataong paraan.

Moreover, it is important to emphasize that China has no right whatsoever to engage in such activities in our sovereign waters. These incidents not only violate international maritime protocols but also pose a direct and continuous threat to the safety, livelihoods, and well-being of Filipino fishermen.

To the Chinese Ambassador who confronted Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., saying, "Stop provoking us!" it is imperative that he be repatriated to China and officially declared persona non grata.

His overt hostility and combative stance are counterproductive, especially when what we need is a diplomatic figure to alleviate tensions between the Philippines and China during this critical period.

I am calling once more on the national government to expedite the modernization of our armed forces and strengthen our defense posture. We need to put up a naval force that can project a more respectable presence in the West Philippine Sea.

At the same time, it is imperative that the international community takes swift and decisive action to address and punish China for their repeated violations. We call for a unified stance in upholding the principles of maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes to ensure the security and stability of the region.

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