Written by 
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has strongly condemned the recent actions of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) against Philippine maritime personnel, calling the incident an “unwarranted and blatant violation of international law.”
Estrada’s statement follows a disturbing escalation in the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese ships fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels and rammed the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, as both agencies conducted legitimate operations within the country’s maritime jurisdiction.
“These latest aggressive actions against our maritime personnel and scientists should prompt our concerned agencies to elevate the matter before an international body,” Estrada said in a statement released on Wednesday.
He emphasized that such actions are a direct affront to the sovereignty of the Philippines, particularly given the peaceful nature of the missions being carried out by the PCG and BFAR.
READ: Sen. Estrada curses at China’s aggression in West Philippine Sea
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Estrada pointed out the clear imbalance in these confrontations, referring to the five Chinese vessels pitted against only two Philippine ships. “Lima laban sa dalawa, may water cannon pa. Malinaw na pambu-bully at harassment ang ginawa sa ating maritime personnel at maritime scientists,” he said, underscoring the bullying tactics used by China’s forces.
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The Senate leader called on China to cease its provocative actions and instead engage in constructive dialogue with the Philippines. “China should engage in peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to hostile confrontation,” Estrada stated.
He further urged the international community to join the Philippines in condemning these aggressive acts and to support efforts aimed at upholding international law in the West Philippine Sea.
“The path to lasting peace and stability in the region lies in cooperation, not confrontation,” Estrada stressed, reaffirming the need for a multilateral approach to resolve ongoing maritime disputes in the region.
READ: Kiko Pangilinan condemns latest Chinese bullying in West Philippine Sea
Estrada’s statement comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where competing territorial claims continue to fuel diplomatic and military standoffs. As the Philippines seeks to protect its territorial integrity, Estrada’s remarks serve as a call for unity and solidarity in the face of mounting external pressures.
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