SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Wednesday strongly condemned the latest incidents of aggression by Chinese forces in the West Philippine Sea, labeling them as “unwarranted and blatant violations of international law.”

Estrada issued the statement following reports that Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel and rammed the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR) BRP Datu Pagbuaya while conducting maritime operations in Philippine waters.

“These hostile acts against the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources personnel performing legitimate duties within our maritime jurisdiction are an affront to our nation’s sovereignty,” Estrada said.

He described the encounter as “five against two,” referring to the numerical superiority of the CCG and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) forces involved. Estrada denounced the incident as clear acts of “bullying and harassment” directed at Filipino maritime personnel and scientists.

“China should cease these provocative actions and engage in constructive dialogue rather than resort to hostile confrontation,” Estrada added, emphasizing the need for diplomacy over aggression.

The senator called on Philippine authorities to elevate the matter to an international body, urging the global community to join the Philippines in condemning such acts. He stressed that upholding the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea is essential to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.

“The path to lasting peace and stability in the region lies in cooperation, not confrontation,” Estrada said.

The incident is the latest in a series of maritime confrontations between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea, with the Philippine government continuing to assert its rights as recognized by international law, particularly the 2016 arbitral ruling.

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Camille P. Balagtas