CHINA ATTACKS China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 4202 drenches the BRP Datu Sanday with its water cannon blasts, which at times threaten to break the windows of the vessel run by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), while CCG ship 21551 takes its turn ramming the BFAR ship during the attack by China’s vessels at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine on Aug. 25, 2024. —PHOTOS AND VIDEO SCREENGRABS BY NESTOR CORRALES
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino senators have once again condemned China for ramming and using water cannons against a Philippine vessel in the West Philippine Sea, calling these actions “illegal” and “inhumane.”
In separate statements, Senators Nancy Binay, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Loren Legarda, and Joel Villanueva slammed China on Monday.
‘Actions that test PH’s goodwill’
Binay called on China to immediately stop all its “inflammatory actions” which she said tests “the limits of our nation’s goodwill.”
“These inhumane and unjustifiable actions taken by the China Coast Guard (CCG) against BRP Datu Sanday on a lawful resupply mission on August 25 are clear acts of aggression that endanger the lives of our brave servicemen,” she said.
“The CCG’s unwarranted acts are not only a violation of international law but also a blatant disregard for the kindness and patience that the Philippine government has consistently shown in addressing maritime disputes in a peaceful manner,” she added.
‘Illegal, inhumane’
Legarda pointed out that contrary to China’s claims, the Hasa-Hasa Shoal and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal are both legally and rightfully within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Hence, the resupply mission of BRP Datu Sanday is entirely legitimate and well within Philippine jurisdiction and sovereign rights, she said.
“The ramming, blasting of horns, and use of water cannons on our vessels are not only illegal but inhumane and cruel to [the] safety of those at sea,” Legarda said.
“We echo the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea’s call on the government of the People’s Republic of China to immediately cease all provocative and dangerous actions that threaten the safety of Philippine vessels. These actions undercut regional peace and security,” she added.
‘Blatant disrespect’
Zubiri, on the other hand, branded China’s actions as a “blatant disrespect” of the earlier understanding of de-escalation of tensions between the two nations.
“It has once again reneged on its word and on its honor to refrain from performing attacks such as what happened yesterday to the Datu Sanday vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. It is treachery, plain and simple,” he added.
He also said it is maddening that China bows down to no rule for it did not attack the Philippine Navy or the country’s coast guard, but the vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which was conducting a humanitarian mission to bring aid to Filipino fishermen.
“This is in total disregard of international maritime laws,” he said.
“You can’t even trust them to show simple decency. We condemn this latest act of aggression displayed by China and protest their actions on Philippine territory. We ask the national government to continue fighting for our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and uphold our territorial integrity and our right to our exclusive economic zone,” he added.
Meanwhile, Villanueva took the opportunity on National Heroes’ Day to hail the women and men of the Armed of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard as well as the civilians who risked their lives to safeguard Philippine waters.
“Your unwavering bravery in standing up to China’s continuous bullying deserves more than just a salute—it’s a true testament to your heroism,” he said.
He then recalled China’s recent escalatory actions — from launching flares in the path of a Philippine aircraft on Saturday and their dangerous maneuvering on BRP Datu Sanday while operating from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal on Sunday.
“[These] are not just uncalled for but a blatant disregard of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These actions are a clear violation of our sovereign rights over our 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said.
Villanueva also urged the international community to join the Philippines in demanding that China cease its aggressive actions and work towards maintaining peace and stability in the region.
China’s continued aggression in Philippine waters is borne out of a sweeping claim over most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. It’s claims, however, have long been dismissed by an arbitral tribunal.
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