Lawmakers, ambassadors slam China for firing water cannon at PH resupply boat

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 10) – Lawmakers and some ambassadors condemned China’s coast guard and militia for firing a water cannon again at a Filipino supply boat headed for the Ayungin Shoal on Friday.

The vessel was on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre when the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) attempted to alter its course by blasting it with a water cannon. This led Manila to file yet another diplomatic protest against Beijing.

Two other Filipino supply boats faced «extremely reckless and dangerous harassment at close proximity» by CCG rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The boats nonetheless accomplished the resupply mission to the Sierra Madre, which also serves as an outpost.

READ: Manila files diplomatic protest after China Coast Guard fires water cannon on PH vessel near Ayungin Shoal

“We demand an immediate cessation of these intimidations and call on China to respect the 2016 Hague tribunal ruling which invalidated its expansive claims over the West Philippine Sea. We stand firm in our conviction that might does not make right,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

“The Philippines, though a smaller nation, will not be cowed or bullied into submission… I call upon the international community, especially our ASEAN neighbors and allies, to join us in condemning these actions and to stand with us in upholding the freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and the preservation of peace in the region,” he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros described China as a habitual abuser and gaslighter. She said its actions were aggravating international relations.

“This incident should push Congress to finally approve a higher budget for the intelligence funds for agencies that defend our territories. Kapag mapalakas ang ating mga frontliners sa West Philippine Sea, mapapalakas din ang ating pambansang seguridad [If our frontliners in the WPS are strong, our national security will also be strengthened],” Hontiveros said.