IN an ambush interview on Wednesday, December 13, after attending the inauguration of a Super Health Center in Victoria, Tarlac, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go strongly condemned the continuous harassment by China of Philippine vessels along the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The latest incident involved a ship, which was sailing to Ayungin Shoal on a resupply mission on December 10. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner was onboard the vessel when it was blasted with a water cannon by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship.
Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, emphasized the repeated nature of these incidents and urged China to show sincerity and respect with neighboring sovereign nations.
“Kinokondena po natin itong nangyari na naman sa karagatan ng West Philippine Sea. Unang-una, paulit-ulit na po. Halos buwan-buwan, halos linggo-linggo ay naiuulat po natin itong harassment, pag-water cannon o pag-laser po sa ating mga barko at sa ating mga mangingisda na nahaharass po,” said Go.
“At sana naman kung ano ang binitawan ng bansang Tsina na salita ay tuparin ninyo po ito,” added Go.
Go expressed his exasperation with the persistent harassment, emphasizing the need for the Philippines to firmly assert its territorial rights.
“Anyway, ako naman po ay nananawagan sa ating mga awtoridad, sa lahat, sa executive department, sa ating military na ipaglaban po natin kung ano po ang atin. What is ours is ours, atin po ‘yon, wala po tayong dapat ibigay sa kanila,” said Go.
The senator also addressed the incident involving Brawner, underscoring its seriousness. “Naiulat na naman ngayon na mismo si AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner ang tinamaan ng water cannon, ‘yung sinasakyan niyang barko,” he noted, bringing attention to the direct impact of China’s actions on high-ranking Filipino military officials.
In light of these events, Go urged President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., to reassess the country’s strategy in dealing with China.
“Panawagan ko po sa ating mahal na Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, bilang chief architect po ng country’s foreign policy, baka kailangan na nating mag-recalibrate po ng approach and strategies,” he urged.
Further, he proposed the involvement of the National Security Council and the expertise of former presidents in shaping the country’s response.
“Baka kailangan kung saka-sakali naman po, suggestion lang naman po ito, kung pwedeng mapatawag po ang National Security Council, along with the former presidents po ng ating bansa,” he added, indicating the value of their experiences and insights.
Brawner expressed his anger at the incident, stating, “I’m angry because of what they did. I think they didn’t know I was on board.”
Department of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., also criticized China’s “roguish behavior,” following the repeated use of water cannons on Philippine vessels in the WPS. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom condemned China’s “unsafe and escalatory tactics” in the region, emphasizing the need for adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award findings, which are legally binding.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called for the appointment of a new Chinese envoy to de-escalate tensions, while former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio suggested the construction of a civilian structure such as a lighthouse or marine research center on Ayungin Shoal to counter China’s aggression.
Go also previously denounced similar aggressive acts by the Chinese in the region, notably when a CCG vessel used water cannons against a Filipino boat trying to deliver supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre, which is grounded at Ayungin Shoal, and another involving the use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel.
To further improve the country’s maritime capabilities, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2112, or the Philippine Coast Guard Modernization Bill. The proposed bill seeks to upgrade the PCG’s assets and resources, to enable the service to carry out its duties and responsibilities more effectively. Its main goal is to upgrade the PCG’s vessels, aircraft, and equipment to meet international standards.
“Bilang inyong senador, nag-file din po ako ng modernization ng ating Coast Guard, karagdagang kagamitan, mga modernong kagamitan po para naman po ma-reinforce natin ang ating PCG,” said Go previously.
Such improvements, if the measure is enacted into law, are also expected to significantly enhance response time during maritime incidents and emergencies.
“Our Coast Guard serves as the frontline defense against threats like smuggling and terrorism. Malaki at importante po ang kanilang trabaho. Additionally, they provide invaluable assistance during natural disasters and emergencies,” Go explained.
Go, together with fellow senators, has also pushed for additional budget for the AFP as well as the PCG to strengthen capabilities in protecting Philippine territory.
