By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Outraged by the unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to enhance their routinary patrols and prevent Chinese incursions into the country’s territories.

Tulfo and his colleague from the ACT-CIS partylist Rep. Edvic Yap; Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo immediately filed a resolution on Monday (6 May 2024) “urging the AFP and the PCG to station appropriate personnel and conduct enhanced routinary patrols and maritime surveillance in the eastern seaboard of the Philippines.”

“Tila malaya na pong nakakapasok at tumambay ano mang oras ang mga barko ng China sa ating mga karagatan. Akalain niyo na dito naman sa silangang bahagi ng ating bansa ang puntirya ngayon ng China tulad ng Benham Rise at Catanduanes area,” Tulfo said in his privilege speech on Monday (6 May 2024).

In their resolution, the lawmakers cited  the AFP’s report that a Chinese-flagged research vessel named Shen Kuo was first spotted on April 25, 2024, about 60.9 nautical miles east of Rapu-Rapu island in Albay.

On April 30, the vessel was spotted deploying unidentified equipment about 100 miles east of Catanduanes.

“The foregoing acts raise suspicion and concern about the intentions and unknown activities of the said vessel within the eastern portion of the Philippine waters, yet the AFP’s unsuccessful attempts to contact the vessel through regular radio channels indicate the vessel’s lack of responsiveness or willingness to engage with the proper authorities,” the resolution said.

Mincing no words, Tulfo assailed the unauthorized presence of Chinese vessels, this time on the eastern seaboard of the Philippines and not just in the West Philippine Sea.

“Ito po ay hudyat na naghahanda na rin silang sakupin ang silangang bahagi ng Pilipinas tulad ng pananakop nila ng buong West Philippine Sea. We have to act now to prevent another Chinese aggression on our territory,” Tulfo added.

(el Amigo/MNM)