Hontiveros on Chinese ships’ collision: Beijing’s actions are ‘reckless’

A China Coast Guard vessel chasing a Philippine Coast Guard ship collided with a Chinese Navy warship off Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal on Monday morning, Aug. 11, 2025. SCREENGRAB FROM THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD’S VIDEO.

MANILA, Philippines — The collision between two Chinese vessels off Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal proves that Beijing’s actions are “reckless and endanger their own people,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Monday.

“China should stop this violence. Because of their intense desire to drive away Filipinos from our own maritime territory, their very own shipsChinese Coast Guard and Chinese Navy— figured in a collision. I hope they take this incident as a lesson,” she said in a statement.

Hontiveros also commended the Philippine Coast Guard for implementing the Safety of Life and Sea, or  SOLAS.

“Even if they were being bullied by China, they still offered help to the Chinese personnel involved in the incident. That embodies the true Filipino spirit of honor and integrity,” she said.

READ: Tarriela: Chinese Coast Guard water-cannons BFAR ships in Panatag Shoal

She also reiterated her call for the government to fully support Filipino fisherfolk and ensure their continued access to traditional fishing grounds in Bajo de Masinloc.

“It is also crucial that we maintain a year-round maritime law enforcement presence to safeguard our fisherfolk,” she added.

Hontiveros also stressed that the West Philippine Sea belongs to the Filipino people, regardless of the extent of China’s harassment./mcm