MANILA, Philippines – Nanawagan si Senador Jinggoy Estrada sa pamahalaan na gawin ang lahat ng kaukulang diplomatic at legal na hakbang laban sa China matapos na bugahan ng tubig gamit ang water cannon ng China Coast Guard ang barko ng Pilipinas malapit sa Bajo de Masinloc nitong Martes, Setyembre 16.
Nagtamo ng pinsala ang BRP Datu Gumbay Piang habang nasugatan din ang isa pang crew member sa insidente.
“I… call on our government to pursue all necessary diplomatic and legal measures, and to stand firmly with the crew of the BRP Datu Gumbay Piang. Their courage reflects our collective resolve to never yield an inch of what is rightfully ours,” saad sa pahayag ni Estrada.
Hinimok din niya ang international community “to take serious note of this latest provocation.”
“The China Coast Guard’s use of water cannons against the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) BRP Datu Gumbay Piang is yet another blatant display of China’s disregard for international law, our sovereign rights, and the safety of our countrymen. Such hostile actions have no place in the civilized world,” sinabi pa ng senador.
“This must be denounced without equivocation. Bajo de Masinloc is ours, that’s why Filipino crew members have the right to conduct mission for our fishermen,” dagdag pa niya.
“Their harassment and abuse cannot erase the fact that the law is on our side and the Arbitral Tribunal favored us in defending our rights.”
Ayon sa Philippine Coast Guard, ang BRP Datu Gumbay Piang (MMOV 3014) ay naghahatid ng gasolina at supply sa mga mangingisda bilang bahagi ng “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” ng pamahalaan nang atakehin ng barko ng CCG na may hull number 5201. RNT/JGC
