Tolentino: China harassment of Phl vessels ‘a direct threat’ to peace, security

Senator Francis Tolentino on Friday said the latest "dangerous action" of the China Coast Guard against the Philippine vessels "undermines the principle of maritime safety and poses a direct threat to international peace and security."

Tolentino made the remarks after the National Task Forces on the West Philippines said Philippine vessels en route to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Friday were again "recklessly harassed and blocked" by CCG vessels and the Chinese maritime militia.

"The continuous breach of China's obligations under international law covering maritime affairs is hard to explain, while its motivations may be clear," Tolentino continued.

The NTF WPS said CCG vessel 5203 deployed a water cannon against the Philippine supply vessel M/L Kalayaan.

Jonathan Malaya, National Security Council assistant director and NTF WPS spokesperson, confirmed that the CCG vessel fired a water cannon against the Philippine supply ship.

"When you say deployed, it means it was used. Therefore, the CCG vessel used its water cannon against ML Kalayaan…I don't think there's ambiguity," Malaya said in a text message.

In early August, a CCG vessel also blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine Coast Guard vessels on the way to Ayungin shoal for a similar resupply mission.