Mariing kinondena ni House Speaker Martin Romualdez ang muling pag-atake ng China Coast Guard (CCG) sa vessels ng Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea (WPS) nitong Linggo, Disyembre 10.

Kinumpirma ng National Task Force-West Philippine Sea nitong Linggo ang pambobomba ng tubig ng CCG sa vessels ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) na kasama sa resupply mission sa Ayungin Shoal.

Binigyang-diin ni Romualdez sa isang pahayag na “unacceptable” at “unjustifiable” ang mga naging pag-atake ng China sa vessels ng Pilipinas.

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PH supply vessels binomba na naman ng tubig, sinalpok pa ng barko ng China CG

“These actions by the China Coast Guard, in preventing our vessels from conducting a peaceful resupply mission to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), demonstrate a brazen disrespect for the rule of law and established international agreements,” ani Romualdez.

Binanggit din ng House leader ang sakop umano ng exclusive economic zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas ang Bajo de Masinloc.

“The 2016 arbitral ruling, which China continues to ignore, invalidated its expansive claims over the South China Sea, including areas within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. This ruling clarified that Filipinos have traditional fishing rights in the waters of Bajo de Masinloc, protected by international law,” giit ni Romualdez.

“The acts of intimidation and harassment against Filipino fisherfolk, who depend on these waters for their livelihood, are not only a violation of their rights but also an affront to human dignity. To prevent the distribution of humanitarian support, as was the case in this incident, is not only illegal but also inhumane,” dagdag pa niya.

Samantala, iginiit ng mambabatas sa Beijing na magsagawa ng agarang aksyon upang matigil na umano ang naturang mga agresibong aktibidad ng CCG at itaguyod ang mga prinsipyo ng international law.

“The Philippines stands firm in its sovereignty and jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc and its territorial sea. We will not be intimidated nor will we stand down in the face of these unwarranted and illegal actions,” ani Romualdez.

“Let this incident be a reminder to the international community of the urgent need to uphold and respect international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to support nations in defending their sovereign rights.”

“We call upon China to respect our sovereignty, desist from actions that infringe upon it, and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes. The Philippines, as a sovereign nation, will continue to defend its rights and protect the interests of its people. We stand in solidarity with our fishermen and reiterate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our national territory and maritime entitlements,” saad pa niya.

Bukod sa nangyaring pag-atake ng CCG nitong Linggo, matatandaang binomba rin ng tubig ng CCG ang mga barko ng BFAR na nagsagawa ng regular humanitarian at support mission sa mahigit 30 Filipino fishing vessels nitong Sabado, Disyembre 9.