By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senators have condemned on Sunday the recent attacks of Chinese ships on Philippine vessels on resupply mission in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) deployed water canon on Philippine vessels which damaged M/L Kalayaan’s engines.
“China not only caused us great damage to property but they also put Filipino lives at risk,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.
“This was a humanitarian mission, and still China chose to attack them. THEY HAVE NO HEART,” he added.
“They have gone from unlawfully blocking us from navigating our own waters to now deliberately damaging our vessels and endangering the lives of our people.”
Meanwhile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada urged China to respect international law, exercise restraint, and cease all actions that jeopardize the peace and security of the region.
“Ito ay malinaw na paglabag sa karapatang pantao, batas ng dagat at nagpapakita ng kawalan ng paggalang sa soberanya ng Pilipinas,” Estrada said.
Poe said that the intentional attack is a violation of international law.
“With China’s bullying rearing its ugly head anew with the water cannon firing, we must be consistently resolute in defending our territory,” Poe said.
(AI/MNM)
