Senators ask PCG, BFAR to keep driving out Chinese vessels in West Philippine Sea

Two senators have asked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to continue challenging Chinese vessels mooring in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, Senator Risa Hontiveros lauded the PCG and the BFAR for confronting the Chinese in the area, noting that challenging these ships is not an easy task to do.

“Sana mas dumami pa ang mga pagkakataong ito. Kitang-kita natin na ang papalayas sa mga barko ng Tsina ay pwedeng gawin at dapat lang ulit-ulitin. I hope this inspires more authorities to do the same,” the senator said.

(We hope for more instances like this. We can see that the Philippines can drive these Chinese vessels away.)

Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the PCG along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines should continue the “good work” of watching over the area.

The Philippine forces should stay alert and maintain this kind of approach to prevent another incursion in the country’s territory.

"We must not let our guard down. Since the 1990s, China has already made three incursions into our exclusive economic zone (EEZ): Scarborough Shoal, Panatag Shoal and now, Julian Felipe Reef. They are likely to do so again if we relax," Lacson said.

On Wednesday, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said in a statement that Chinese militia vessels moored at the Sabina Shoal inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone dispersed after being challenged by PCG and the BFAR.

The Sabina Shoal is located 130 nautical miles west of Puerto Princesa, Palawan and east of Ayungin Shoal.

The Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest against China over its "belligerent" actions against the Philippine vessels conducting maritime drills at  Scarborough Shoal.

Foreign Affairs Chief Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. also hurled an expletive at China, asking the Asian nation's ships to leave the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

He later apologized to  Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for his action. -MDM, GMA News