MANILA, Philippines – Mahigpit na kinondena ng liderato ng Malaking Kapulungan ng Kongreso ang panibagong agresibong aksyon ng China Coast Guard laban sa barko ng Philippine Coast Guard.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the reckless and illegal maneuvers executed by the China Coast Guard against our Philippine Coast Guard vessels, BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, in the West Philippine Sea. This brazen and unwarranted aggression resulted in dangerous collisions that could have led to tragic consequences,” sinabi ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Aniya, ang pagkilos na ito ng China Coast Guard sa Escoda Shoal ay isang direktang pagyurak sa soberanya ng Pilipinas at lantarang paglabag sa international law lalo na sa United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) kung saan parehong kasapi ang Pilipinas at China.
“The Philippines has consistently upheld its commitment to peace and stability in the region, exercising maximum restraint despite repeated provocations. However, these recent events are not mere incidents but part of a troubling pattern of behavior that escalates tensions and undermines the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea. It is incumbent upon us, as a nation, to stand firm in defending our rights and protecting our maritime domain.”
Dahil dito, nanawagan si Romualdez sa international community na kondenahin ang ganitong mapanganib na aksyon na isang banta na rin hindi lamang sa katatagan ng rehiyon kundi ang malayang paglalayag sa mga katulad nitong karagatan.
“I urge the international community to take cognizance of these dangerous actions that threaten not only regional stability but also the freedom of navigation in these critical waters. The Philippines will not be cowed by intimidation or coercion. Our Coast Guard vessels will continue their vital missions, including delivering supplies to our outposts in the West Philippine Sea, and we will not relent in our pursuit of protecting our national interests,” dagdag pa ng mambabatas.
Panawagan din ng kongresista sa China na igalang at itigil ang mga aksyon na magsasapanganib sa buhay kapag nagkakaroon ng mga ganitong paglabag.
“I call on the Chinese government to exercise restraint and cease all actions that endanger lives and violate international norms. The path forward must be one of dialogue and mutual respect, not confrontation and aggression. The safety and security of our region depend on it.”
Sa pamahalaan ay naging panawagan naman ni Romualdez na sana ay patuloy na itaguyod ang pagpapanatili ng dignidad at soberenya ng bansa sa pagsasabing, “We remain resolute in our commitment to uphold the dignity and sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines. We will continue to work with our allies and partners to ensure that the rule of law prevails in the West Philippine Sea.” Meliza Maluntag
