Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday reaffirmed the importance of standing firm in asserting the Philippines’ sovereign rights over Sandy Cay and other features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), amid reports of increased Chinese activities in the area.

Go emphasized that protecting maritime territory is not only about sovereignty but also about defending the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk directly affected by tensions at sea.

“Hindi lang ito usapin ng teritoryo. Buhay at kabuhayan ng mga mangingisda natin ang nakataya dito,” he said. “Kaya dapat tayong manindigan para sa ating karapatan at ipaglaban ang kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino.”

The call came following Chinese media reports claiming that the China Coast Guard (CCG) had asserted “sovereign jurisdiction” over Sandy Cay by staging a symbolic landing earlier in April. Philippine defense officials denied the reports, stating on 28 April that the area remains under regular monitoring and patrols by Philippine forces.

Go warned that continued external provocations could destabilize coastal communities that rely on marine resources. “Hindi dapat ang mga ordinaryong Pilipino ang magdusa sa tuwing may tensyon sa karagatan,” he said.

The senator reiterated his longstanding position: “What is ours is ours! Dapat na ipaglaban natin kung ano ang atin!”

He also underscored the broader implications of maritime disputes, including threats to food security, economic stability, and national morale. Go called on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue diplomatic means to resolve conflicts in accordance with international law.

“Habang pinalalakas natin ang ating paninindigan, dapat rin nating tiyakin na hindi naaapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino sa kanayunan,” Go said. “Bawat isdang hindi mahuli, bawat araw na hindi sila makalaot dahil sa takot o tensyon, malaking dagok sa pang-araw-araw nilang pamumuhay.”

To address these challenges, he urged government agencies to enhance support for fisherfolk, particularly when maritime tensions hinder fishing operations. “Sa lahat ng ito, prayoridad pa din ang kalusugan at kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan. Sikapin nating walang magugutom na Pilipino,” Go added.

Earlier, Go condemned incidents involving the Chinese Coast Guard, including the use of water cannons on a Filipino supply boat en route to Ayungin Shoal, and the targeting of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel with a military-grade laser.

In line with his advocacy for maritime security, Go filed Senate Bill No. 2112 or the “Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Bill,“ aiming to provide the PCG with modern vessels, aircraft, and equipment to better respond to both security threats and natural disasters.

“Ang ating Philippine Coast Guard ang isa sa mga pangunahing tagapangalaga ng ating karagatan at tagapagligtas sa oras ng sakuna,” Go said. “Kailangan nating suportahan sila sa pamamagitan ng mas modernong kagamitan para mas mabilis at mas epektibo silang makapagserbisyo sa taumbayan.”

Go concluded by stressing the need for a balanced foreign policy rooted in national interest and peace. “Protektahan natin ang ating karapatan at ang kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan sa maayos at mapayapang paraan. Dapat nating tiyakin na habang pinaninindigan natin ang atin, iniingatan din natin ang kapayapaan at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino,” he said.