Senators slams China’s reported seizing of PH supplies for Ayungin

MANILA, Philippines — China’s reported seizing of food and other supplies meant for Filipino troops stationed at Ayungin Shoal received the ire of several senators on Monday.

Among those who expressed disagreement over China’s alleged move was Senate President Chiz Escudero.

In an ambush interview, he said that although the incident is still being verified, there is a need for the Philippine government to strongly hold on to its “ownership, sovereignty, and power” in its territorial waters — including Ayungin Shoal.

READ: China Coast Guard seizes PH supplies for Ayungin

“Subalit naniniwala pa rin ako na ang paraan ay pakikipag-diyalogo at pakikipag-usap at hindi pa rin dapat humantong sa puntong magkaka-putukan o sisiklab ang digmaan sa pagitan ng bansa natin, China, at ibang bansa pa,” said Escudero.

(However, I still believe that the only way is through dialogue and communication and it should not lead to the point where there will be gunfire or war will break out between our country, China, and other nations.)

Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, on the other hand, branded China’s alleged act as “despicable and callous.”

“Wala na nga silang respeto sa soberanya ng Pilipinas, wala pang pinapakitang respeto sa kapwa nila tao. If we are to have a chance at settling our disputes, China must show a measure of good faith by reigning in her Coast Guard. Kahit karagatan natin, ni minsan, hindi nangharass at nambastos ang ating tropa laban sa mga Tsino,” she emphasized.

(They have no respect for the sovereignty of the Philippines and they have shown no respect for their fellow human beings. If we are to have a chance at settling our disputes, China must show a measure of good faith by reigning in her Coast Guard. Even in our territory, not once did our troops harass and insult the Chinese.)

Amid China’s aggression, Hontiveros said she is entrusting the Department of National Defense to reinforce Filipino soldiers stationed at Ayungin Shoal.

“We will not allow China to relentlessly demean our troops, our people,” she emphasized.

For his part, Senator Francis Tolentino, chair of the Senate’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones, said China’s moves show how desperate they are, adding that it is nothing but an act of provocation.

“Nakikita ang desperateness nila ngayon dahil maliwanag na talagang vina-violate nila ang lahat ng umiiral na batas pandaigdigan,” said Tolentino.

(This shows their desperation because it has become very clear that they are violating existing international laws.)

“Provocation talaga ‘yan. Pati ‘yung pagkuha nila ng pagkain natin na hindi naman kanila,” he added, urging the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “release the timeline” of the said events.

(That’s really a provocation. Including the seizing of food that is not theirs.)

Senate panel head on national defense Senator Jinggoy Estrada then emphasized that China’s acts should not be tolerated.

“We should pursue all necessary measures to demand accountability for the latest acts of the China Coast Guard (CCG). Our soldiers deserve our unwavering support. Their bravery, dedication, and sacrifices should not be in vain,” said Estrada.

Furthermore, Senator Sonny Angara, in a statement also issued Monday, said the Philippines should call on China to exercise restraint and not to impede regular and non-hostile activities involving Philippine personnel.

He pointed out that the Philippines has not engaged in any action to provoke such a response from the Chinese Coast Guard and has always maintained that any dispute between parties must be resolved through diplomatic and lawful means.

“This act from the CCG endangers the lives of our Filipino troops stationed at the Ayungin Shoal and could be deemed as a violation of their human rights. We call on the Executive to pursue all remedies available to the country in ensuring the safety and welfare of all Filipino citizens,” he said.

Senator Nancy Binay, meanwhile, said the Philippine government is ready to raise China’s questionable acts before international forums, including the United Nations.

She said this would ensure that the Philippines achieve “ justice and ensure the protection of the rights of our citizens.”

“Such actions show a blatant disregard for the basic principles of humane treatment and concern, violating the agreed protocols of the Geneva Convention that stipulate the humane treatment of the wounded and sick. The obstruction of medical aid to our personnel is an affront to these international norms and human dignity,” she said in Filipino.

“We will continue to stand firm in our resolve to protect our people and our sovereignty. The safety and well-being of our citizens will always be paramount,” Binay added.

Moreover, Senator Bong Revilla saw the reported incident as inhumane and recalled President Bongbong Marcos’ words, reiterating that the Philippines “will not cede any inch of our territory and territorial rights.”

READ: CCG slammed for ‘stealing’ supplies for Filipino troops in West PH Sea

“[W]e are taking notice of the bullying and provocations against our countrymen and our nation. International law and comity between states must prevail, and all contrary actions by any state party should stop,” he said.