Estrada condemns latest water cannon attack in WPS

Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday, 13 October, condemned the recent water cannon attack and ramming by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia against multiple Philippine vessels near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, Estrada lamented that the "deliberate" ramming and water cannon attack by a CCG vessel on the BRP Datu Pagbuaya within the country's territorial waters is not an isolated case.

"This kind of incident reveals a disturbing pattern of harassment and provocation that undermines our sovereignty and endangers the safety of our maritime personnel," Estrada said.

"This has happened several times, and we should not ignore this pressure from China. It is an insult to human rights and to existing international law, which they continue to violate," he added.

Estrada also commended the swift diplomatic action taken by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in lodging a protest against China. He likewise expressed his full support of it.

"The safety of our maritime frontliners and the protection of our sovereign rights must never be compromised," he added.

On Sunday, 12 October, the DFA said it will lodge a diplomatic protest against China after the ramming incident on BRP Datu Pagbuaya. The Philippine vessel was providing cover for Filipino fisherfolk in the WPS.

Several CCG and Chinese maritime militia vessels made "dangerous and provocative maneuvers" against three Philippine vessels, namely BRP Datu Pagbuaya, BRP Datu Bankaw, and BRP Datu Daya, on Sunday morning.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported "visible damage" to Datu Pagbuaya's aft section.