Manila, Philippines – Two Philippine senators have strongly condemned a recent incident involving the China Coast Guard (CCG), which allegedly harassed two Philippine vessels near Pag-asa Cay 2 in the West Philippine Sea.
The incident occurred while vessels from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), accompanied by a scientific team, were conducting a routine mission to collect sand samples in the area.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, expressed concern over what he described as China’s ongoing interference with Philippine maritime scientists and uniformed personnel.
Estrada emphasized that the Filipino public is no longer unaware of China’s prolonged and repeated intrusions into the country’s maritime affairs. He urged the Philippine government to lodge a strong and unequivocal diplomatic protest against what he called a continuing violation of international law by China.
“The Philippines must also further strengthen its alliances with countries that share the same commitment to peace and respect for the rule of law in the region,” Estrada added.
Senator Joel Villanueva echoed Estrada’s sentiments, calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to explore all possible actions and to immediately file a new diplomatic protest against China.
The latest confrontation adds to growing tensions in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, where multiple countries have overlapping territorial claims.
