Phl lawmaker, US envoy slam China’s aggression anew

Senator Francis Tolentino on Saturday slammed China's continuing efforts to "undermine peace and stability in the region" following the most recent water cannon incident in the Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea.

"We strongly condemn China's use of water cannons against civilian research vessels near Bajo de Masinloc within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone," Tolentino said. 

Based on the report of the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, a Chinese Coast Guard fired water cannons on BFAR vessels Datu Sanday, Datu Bankaw, and Datu Tamblot that were delivering oil subsidies and grocery packs to Filipino fishermen in the area.

The Chinese militia vessels were also reportedly engaged in "dangerous maneuvers and used long-range acoustic devices"  against the BFAR vessels, causing severe "temporary discomfort and incapacitation to some Filipino crew." 

Tolentino said the CCG "should not spoil" the Filipinos' Christmas season with "unwarranted aggression."

"As a flotilla of civilian Filipino vessels prepares to deliver Christmas gifts within the Philippine EEZ, we hope the international community will remain united against harassment and that the festive spirit of generosity and goodwill will not be overshadowed by the forces of intimidation," he added.

Meanwhile, United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson backed the Philippines' sovereign rights over the WPS amid the latest water cannon incident in Scarborough shoal. 

"We condemn PRC's aggressive, illegal actions against Philippine BFAR vessels lawfully operating in the Philippine EEZ," Carlson said in a social media post.

"This PRC behavior violates international law and endangers lives and livelihoods. We stand with our Philippine #FriendsPartnersAllies in support of a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific," she added.