An independent research organization condemned China’s latest water cannon attack against Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea last Friday and called out impeached Vice President Sara Duterte for her anti-Filipino messaging.
In a statement released this week, Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres ‘Dindo’ Manhit described the latest acts of aggression by the China Coast Guard (CCG) as a dangerous escalation of Beijing’s continued disregard for Philippine sovereignty.
On June 20, CCG personnel fired water cannons at BFAR vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal. According to the think tank, it was not an isolated event. It was only the latest in a series of unprovoked actions by Beijing, threatening peace and maritime security in the region.
“These acts are unacceptable, reckless, and a direct threat to the safety of Filipino personnel conducting legitimate and peaceful activities in our own waters,” the Stratbase Institute said.
The policy group also expressed appreciation for international partners such as the United States, South Korea, and New Zealand for supporting the Philippines, saying their solidarity sends a unified message that the world rejects Beijing’s coercive tactics.
In the same statement, Stratbase Institute also rebuked Duterte over her recent “blatantly irresponsible and misleading” remarks that echoed China’s position. It warned that her statements undermined national interest and betrayed her constitutional duty to protect Filipinos.
“The Philippines is not acting on behalf of any foreign power; we are asserting our sovereign rights under international law and the 2016 Arbitral Award—something she, as a duly elected public official, should be defending,” the group said.
The Stratbase Institute urged all public officials to stand firm in defending the Philippines’ maritime rights, protect its people, and work closely with like-minded countries to uphold a rules-based international order.
“Now more than ever, our leaders must stand firm in defending the country’s sovereignty, maritime rights, and territorial integrity,” the group said.
