Manila: A think tank on Monday condemned the latest act of aggression by Chinese maritime forces against a Philippine ship going about its lawful business near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a statement, Stratbase Institute said it "strongly condemns these brazen acts of aggression by China," referring to the firing of water cannon at Philippine ship BRP Datu Pagbuaya before deliberately ramming it.
According to Philippines News Agency, BRP Datu Pagbuaya, operated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was anchored at the territorial waters of Pag-asa Island to protect Filipino fishermen in the area when the incident happened on Oct. 12. "This behavior should not and cannot be normalized or tolerated," Stratbase said, adding it finds the growing frequency and intensity of Chinese harassment in WPS "deeply alarming."
"Taken together, they demonstrate a dangerous and escalating pattern of aggression. Moreover, they underscore that the true source of instability in the region is Beijing's continued disregard for international law, including the 2016 arbitral award, which has decisively invalidated its expansive and baseless claims."
The think-tank added such actions must be met with firm, coordinated, and decisive measures to end "this pattern of coercion." "With international law on our side, we call on the Philippine government to stand resolute in defending our sovereign rights and to hold China fully accountable for its actions," it said. The think-tank also urged the government to strengthen the country's deterrence by deepening partnerships with like-minded states and accelerating the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Meanwhile, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Francis Pangilinan on Monday condemned the ramming and water cannon attack, calling it a blatant assault on Philippine sovereignty. Estrada commended the Department of Foreign Affairs for swiftly filing a diplomatic protest against China following the incident. "The safety of our maritime frontliners and the protection of our sovereign rights must never be compromised," he said.
Pangilinan described CCG's move as 'illegal and reckless actions', saying the deliberate attack was 'a brazen act of aggression' and 'an affront to international law.' He urged China to respect the 2016 Arbitral Award and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. "We will ensure that our maritime and defense institutions - the Philippine Coast Guard and the BFAR - have the resources and support they need to patrol, protect, and persevere. The West Philippine Sea is ours - by law, by right, and by the unwavering spirit of a people who refuse to be cowed," Pangilinan said.
At the House of Representatives, Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Jay Khonghun, Manila 1st District Rep. Ernix Dionisio, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez issued statements condemning China's aggression. "This brazen act of aggression is a direct assault on our sovereignty and will not go unchallenged," Ortega said.
Dionisio called for 'a formal protest to the United Nations and stronger coordination with ASEAN allies and global partners to hold China accountable.' Khonghun urged the government to bolster naval and Coast Guard capabilities to deter further incursions. Adiong highlighted the economic toll as 'China's aggression disrupts the livelihoods of coastal communities, threatening their families and our nation's food security.' Gutierrez called the attack on the PCG vessel 'an assault on our nation's dignity' and called on peace-loving nations 'to join us in upholding international law and ensuring accountability.'
