Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada remarked that the collision between a China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel and a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warship was a “classic case of reaping what one sows,” asserting that China must stop harassing the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other vessels.
“This is a classic case of reaping what one sows. The Chinese Coast Guard must cease and desist from engaging in dangerous maneuvers against our Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other maritime vessels,” Estrada said in a statement.
He added that this approach was not only risky but ultimately pointless.
“These tactics not only endanger our maritime personnel and fisherfolk—they also escalate tensions unnecessarily. Nothing good will come of such actions, except the empty display of logistical superiority,” he reasoned.
Despite China’s aggression, Estrada vowed that the Philippines would continue to pursue its best interests.
“Nonetheless, we will not be cowed. We will continue to defend our sovereignty, protect our people, and uphold the rule of law,” he firmly stated.
For Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, the incident underscores the extreme difficulty officers face in defending the nation’s sovereign rights. He urged China to withdraw from Philippine territory.
“Again, we reiterate our call to the Chinese Coast Guards and fishing militia that your continued presence and operation at the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is illegal and unauthorized. The West Philippine Sea is ours, and please—get out of Philippine waters,” he admonished.
In a report on Monday morning, PCG Spokesperson for the WPS Jay Tarriela said the CCG had aimed their water cannon at the PCG’s BRP Suluan (MRRV 4406), although it was able to steer clear of the attack; in another encounter, a CCG vessel was chasing BRP Suluan when it rammed against a PLA warship instead, causing severe damage to its forecastle.
The PCG aided the CCG’s men who had been thrown overboard and needed medical assistance.
