Sen. Imee Marcos solutions queries from the media throughout an ambush interview on the sideline of Liga ng mga Barangay Leyte Provincial Chapter Annual Provincial Congress which she attended as a visitor of honor and speaker in Pasay Metropolis on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. —Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines — Three senators on Tuesday aired their stance on China’s latest aggression in Ayungin Shoal, and one in every of them suggested Filipinos to be cautious of “placing an excessive amount of religion” on data being unfold relating to the incident.
Sen. Imee Marcos, talking to reporters in an ambush interview, mentioned Filipinos shouldn’t become involved within the rift between the US and China. This, after the US disclosed that China’s towing and ramming of a Philippine vessel in Ayungin Shoal on June 17 induced “bodily harm” to a Filipino personnel.
READ: US condemns China over Ayungin incident which induced ‘bodily harm’
For Marcos, what must be carried out is to confirm all the main points out there and as a lot as doable conduct personal interviews on Filipinos onboard the vessel when the incident transpired.
“Within the meantime, allow us to interview the Filipinos concerned. Let’s not get too concerned. Let’s not put an excessive amount of religion on what both aspect is saying. As we all know, the People and the Chinese language try to outdo one another. So let’s do our personal investigation,” mentioned Marcos.
READ: Año: China vessels ‘engaged in ramming, towing’ throughout Ayungin resupply
“Let’s discuss to the Filipinos on board the ship. Let’s have a look at the movies and different proof to search out out what actually occurred as a result of there could possibly be different variations,” she added.
Come collectively, denounce China
In the meantime, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada — chairperson of the Senate panel on nationwide protection and safety – mentioned he’s “deeply outraged and intensely troubled” by China’s acts.
“The Philippines has persistently sought peaceable and diplomatic means to resolve maritime disputes, adhering to mutual respect and cooperation ideas. But the Chinese language Coast Guard demonstrated an entire disregard for these ideas and has engaged in provocative actions to escalate tensions in our territorial waters additional,” mentioned Estrada in an announcement.
“I strongly demand that China stop these provocative actions instantly and respect our sovereign rights. Our authorities will take all vital measures to guard our individuals and uphold our nationwide pursuits,” he mentioned.
With this, he referred to as on the worldwide group to “come collectively” and denounce China’s acts.
PH won’t be intimidated
For his half, Sen. JV Ejercito mentioned incidents comparable to this solely show that there’s a must “pace up” the strengthening of the nation’s protection posture.
“Such harmful actions, together with the ramming and towing of Philippine vessels, destabilize our area, jeopardize the protection of our residents, and undermine our sovereign rights,” mentioned Ejercito in a separate assertion.
“China have to be held accountable for these trespasses and for endangering Filipino lives. It’s crucial for the federal government to make the most of all out there means to guard our individuals and our nation,” he added.
Regardless of China’s continued incursion and aggression in Philippine waters, Ejercito mentioned “the Philippines won’t be intimidated.”
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“The West Philippine Sea is rightfully ours, and we are going to proceed to defend it,” he mentioned.
