Romualdez condemns anew China’s aggressive acts vs PH vessels

WATER ATTACK A China Coast Guard ship fires its water cannon at BRP Datu Sanday while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ vessel is on its way to Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday. INQUIRER file photo / NESTOR CORRALES

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Martin Romualdez has condemned once again the recent acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement on Sunday, he called the ramming of a Chinese ship on the BRP Teresa Magbanua a troubling incident that raises serious questions about respect for international law and our nation’s dignity.

READ: China rams another PH coast guard ship 

BRP Teresa Magbanua is one of the Philippines’ largest and most modern patrol vessels.

Romualdez expressed “deep dismay” over the recent incident and called for a constructive dialogue on issues hounding the Philippine territory.

In a separate statement, Romualdez affirmed that the country is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty in the WPS.

“The Philippines remains committed to dialogue and a peaceful resolution, but we also stand ready to safeguard our sovereignty. We call for respect, and we are determined to meet any challenges that may arise,” Romualdez said, as quoted in a statement.

READ: PH to China: Escoda Shoal is ours, PCG ship has right to operate there 

“With a heavy heart and unwavering resolve, I strongly condemn the recent acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea. The ramming of the BRP Teresa Magbanua, one of our largest and most modern patrol vessels, is a troubling incident that raises serious questions about respect for international law and our nation’s dignity,” he added.