The Philippines has issued an urgent security alert after the latest water cannon attack
towards Kenneth Christian L. Basilio, Reporting
A Philippine senator on Sunday called China’s Coad Guard the use of waters by fishermen in the South China Sea Shoal last week like other nations to widen Manila’s web.
Senator Risa n. Hontiveros-Baraquels said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) should use more ships to accompany fishermen in the South China Sea to prevent abuse at sea.
“Our people should not be left unprotected,” the statement said. “This looming day should compel our government to fast-track defense negotiations with like-minded countries.”
“China seems intent on getting what it wants at the expense of not only our territories, but also,” he added.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a Viber message seeking comment.
Manila’s Coast Guard on Saturday said three Filipino fishermen were injured as two fishing boats suffered “severe damage” when the Chinese Coast Guard vessels used cannons near the Savina Shoal.
“This is an increase beyond the normal power of the cold water of the PCG,” the deputy of the house I the leader and the list of the Party and the Rep. Leila M. de Lima said in a separate statement. “This is completely and deeply wrong.”
“They couldn’t do it again, so the government can’t just ignore it or let this go by,” he added.
Sabina is among several maritime features that have been at the center of some long-running calls due to competing claims between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. Both of them have sold the accusations of increasing import following incidents involving water explosions and sides between ships.
Beijing claims sovereignty over almost all the roads under its “nine-dash” line and also delays along with the claims of Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
The Philippine and Chinese fleets last year were separated by a feature that is widely seen as an important rendezvous point for the renewal of small equipment in the Philippines Marines BRP Sierra Madre In the second book of Thomas Shoal. Sabina lies 150 kilometers west of Palawanan province.
“We must strengthen all the skills of speed and defense as possible, as soon as possible,” said Nkbhekolelo.
Manila had stepped up its efforts to return to China’s already battered sea by expanding its web of alliances through the US, which it has been sitting on for a while. It has created agreements for visiting festivals with Australia, New Zealand, and recently, Canada, as well as a similar agreement with Japan.
Visiting military talks with France and the United Kingdom continue, all while the Philippines is pursuing a modern military program that includes acquiring advanced ships, missile systems and fighter jets.
The Philippines should be considered to redefine its South China Sea strategy to better address challenges in the watershed, said Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of Manila-based Tank International Development.
“This water cycle … shows that we have a gap in our response with the China Coast Guard,” said in a Facebook messenger interview. “We must expect a new strategy from our Guard this time.”
