MANILA, Philippines- Muli na namang nasangkot sa “harassment, dangerous maneuvers, at aggressive conduct” ang Chinese Coast Guard nang mag-deliver ng suplay ang Pilipinas sa BRP Sierra Madre sa Ayungin Shoal sa West Philippine Sea.
Ang resupply mission ay nangyari, Biyernes ng umaga, ayon sa kalatas ng National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).
“Harassment, dangerous maneuvers, and aggressive conduct of the vessels of the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia against our public vessels took place again during the conduct of routine and regular operations well within our nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone,” ayon sa NTF-WPS.
Winika pa ng Task Force na mariin nitong kinokondena ang “illegal, aggressive, and destabilizing conduct of the Chinese Coast Guard within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).”
“The unprofessional act and dangerous maneuvers conducted by the China Coast Guard and its maritime militia will never prevail over our conduct of legal and legitimate operations that support rules-based international order,” ang tinuran ni Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar.
Ayon sa Philippine Coast Guard, may apat na Chinese coast guard vessels at apat na Chinese maritime militia watercraft ang sangkot sa harassment.
“Despite the challenging circumstances brought about by the illegal presence and activities of the CCG and CMM in our exclusive economic zone, the mission was carried out successfully. The much-needed supplies were delivered to our dedicated troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre,” ayon sa kalatas ng PCG.
“The PCG calls upon the CCG and CMM to immediately cease any illegal activities within the maritime zones of the Philippines. Doing so can foster a stable, secure, and rules-based maritime order conducive to regional cooperation and peace,” anito pa rin.
Sa kabilang dako, sinabi ng Chinese Coast Guard, mapangahas na pinasok ng Philippine vessels ang lugar “without the permission of the Chinese government.”
“The China Coast Guard strictly warned the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, tracked and monitored the vessels all the way and effectively regulated them,” anito.
Idinagdag pa nito na ang Beijing ay mayroong “indisputable sovereignty” sa nasabing katubigan.
“The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in the sea areas under China’s jurisdiction according to law,” patuloy nito.
Samantala, kinondena ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sa kamakailan lamang na ASEAN Summit ang militarisasyon ng South China Sea at binigyang-diin ang pangangailangan para sa code of conduct sa strategic waterway. Kris Jose
