Mariing kinondena ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez ang naging pagbangga ng China Coast Guard (CCG) sa resupply boat ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), at sinabing banta ito sa kapayapaan ng rehiyon.

Matatandaang kinumpirma ng National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea nitong Linggo, Oktubre 22, ang naging pagbangga ng CCG sa resupply boat ng AFP, maging ang pagbangga umano ng Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003 (CMMV 00003) sa port side ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) na MRRV 4409.

"We, at the House of Representatives, vehemently condemn China's recent actions that led to the collision of its coast guard vessel 5203 with the private resupply vessel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines," pahayag ni Romualdez nitong Lunes, Oktubre 23.

Chinese vessel, bumangga sa resupply boat ng AFP sa Ayungin Shoal

"Such actions not only jeopardized the lives of those onboard but also threatened regional peace and stability.”

"We implore China to adhere to international maritime laws and standards, act with restraint, and guarantee the safety of all vessels in the [WPS]," saad pa niya.

Binigyang-diin din ng mambabatas na hindi umano dapat ipagsawalang-bahala ang naturang insidente.

"The Philippine government will exhaust all diplomatic initiatives and mobilize the support of the international community to prevent these unlawful acts by its neighboring country — a country that is not just a trading partner but is also expected to be an ally," ani Romualdez.