The PolPHIL Party strongly condemned the recent aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard against a Filipino supply vessel in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal in it’s 1st National Executive Committee Meeting held last Saturday in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
On March 23, the unarmed civilian vessel, while conducting a routine resupply mission, was subjected to unprovoked water cannon fire, resulting in significant damage and endangering the lives of the crew aboard, PolPHIL noted in a statement.
“This incident occurred within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), an area internationally recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The actions taken by the China Coast Guard are in direct violation of the Philippines’ sovereign rights and undermine the peace and stability of the region,” it said.
The PolPHIL Party called on China “to cease these intimidatory tactics and engage in constructive dialogue respecting international maritime laws and the rights of all nations.”
Rudy Caneda, the National Chairman of PolPHIL Party, said: “We extend our gratitude to the crew for their bravery and to our international partners for their continued support. The Party believes that the Philippine Government should continue to assert our sovereign rights and protect the interests of its citizens.”
Party Secretary General Ricardo “Ric” Serrano reiterated: “PolPHIL supports the realization of the long delayed AFP-PNP Modernization plan. PolPHIL emphasizes peaceful resolution through international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the arbitral ruling of July 12, 2016 dismissing the expansive claims of China over the West Philippine Sea.”
Party official Noel Medina also noted: “Continuous efforts for citizens actions, both domestic and abroad, must also be pursued, moving forward. Atin Ang Pilipinas!”
The whole day event was graced by no less than the Chief of the Philippine National Police, General Benjamin Acorda Jr. as key note speaker.