WHILE no untoward incidents marred the latest resupply mission for Filipino soldiers at Ayungin Shoal, the Philippine government should keep pressing on China to respect international laws and allow future missions to proceed unhampered, according to the chairman of the Senate Defense committee, who has called for a hearing on Tuesday (Sept 12).
“We hope that such missions can proceed without interruption, allowing our military personnel to carry out their duties without unnecessary obstacles. We call upon all parties involved to prioritize peaceful resolutions and respect for international law,” Sen. Jinggoy E. Estrada said in a statement following reports by authorities that the third resupply mission in five weeks went well “despite reports of 12 Chinese vessels spotted in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, seemingly obstructing the area.”
Estrada found it “reassuring to note that no untoward incidents were reported during the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) resupply mission to its military outpost on BRP Sierra Madre.”
This, he said, “underscores the significance of upholding international agreements and promoting peaceful coexistence in disputed areas. It also demonstrates the dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of our troops to meet the needs and maintain operational readiness in remote and challenging locations.”
Estrada said his Senate Committee on National Defense and Security will conduct a hearing on Tuesday, in hopes of ensuring that the continued harassment and bullying tactics of the Chinese Coast Guard will finally stop.
For his part, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri thanked and congratulated the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard as they completed another resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, making it the third successful mission in five weeks. Once again, I salute our men and women of the AFP and PCG for fearlessly staying on track to complete their mission, despite intimidation from the Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels.
“This is a humanitarian resupply mission. Only barbarians at the gate will delight at seeing soldiers on a peaceful mission denied of food,” Zubiri said.
Despite the recent successes of the resupply missions, “we know that China continues to block our vessels on our waters, so we remain absolutely cautious and vigilant. And we in the Senate are prepared to assist our AFP and PCG with their budget, in aim of developing a credible self-defense posture that will allow them to continue protecting our country and our people.”
Earlier, the Chinese Coast Guard accused the Philippines of entering Ayungin Shoal illegally, “without the permission of the Chinese government.”
“The China Coast Guard strictly warned the Philippine vessels in accordance with the law, tracked and monitored the vessels all the way and effectively regulated them,” the spokesperson of the Chinese Coast Guard said in a statement on Friday.
Beijing insisted that the Philippine resupply ships carried construction materials to fortify the grounded World War II vessel BRP Sierra Madre.
“China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, including the Ren’ai Reef, and its adjacent waters, and firmly opposes the illegal transportation of construction materials by the Philippines to the illegal grounded warship,” the Chinese Coast Guard said.
“The China Coast Guard will continue to carry out law enforcement activities in the sea areas under China’s jurisdiction according to law,” it added.
Image credits: AP/Aaron Favila
