THE National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemned the latest incident of Chinese harassment which involved China Coast Guard (CCG) ships firing water cannons at two Philippine vessels on their way to provide humanitarian assistance to Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal (also known as Bajo De Masinloc and Scarborough Shoal).
“These latest demonstrations of China’s illegal and irresponsible behavior highlight their egregious disregard for the Philippines’ lawful exercise of its rights and entitlements in our own EEZ. Clearly, China has no regard for the welfare of our fishermen who only want to make a decent living in the WPS,” NTF-WPS said in a statement.
“China’s act of obstructing civilian ships carrying only supplies for our fishermen calls into question the sincerity of their call for dialogue and peaceful approaches to de-escalate the situation in the WPS,” it added.
On Tuesday, China Coast Guard ship CCG 3305 used its water cannon against PCG’s BRP Datu Bankaw while CCG 3105 and CCG 5303 attacked BRP Bagacay of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Bagacay and Bankaw were patrolling waters near Bajo de Masinloc when they encountered four CCG vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.
Bagacay sustained damage on its railing and canopy, while the starboard astern of the BRP Datu Bankaw was also destroyed.
NTF-WPS added said the Philippines will continue to act peacefully and responsibly, consistent with rules-based international law, based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the valid and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.
“The Philippines will not be deterred from pursuing legitimate and lawful activities in our maritime zones, including in BDM which is a vital source of livelihood for our fisherfolk,” it added. (PNA)
