Sen. Bong Go
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense, strongly condemned the aggressive action by a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel in the West Philippine Sea, which hit an AFP-contracted resupply boat earlier this month.
“As vice chairman of the Committee on National Defense, hindi lang po nakakabahala kundi atin po itong kinokondena. Walang katapusan itong naririnig natin na pagtutok noon ng military laser, water cannon at ngayon naman po ay binabangga (na ang ating vessels),” said Go in an interview during a visit to projects he supported in Kapalong, Davao del Norte,
“Kung ano po ang totoo, kung totoong talagang sinadya at may harassment ay kinokondena natin ito,” he added.
“Ako po ay nananawagan na sana po ay maresolba ito sa mapayapang paraan at hindi po umabot sa karahasan. Maliit lang po tayo na bansa.”
“Kahit maliit po tayo, kilala po ang Pilipino na lumalaban at ipinaglalaban po kung ano po ang atin. Ako po ay handang ipaglaban ito. Ito po ay karapatan natin,” added Go.
“Ang atin ay atin”
Reaffirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights, Go emphasized: “Kung ano ang atin ay atin. Wala po silang karapatan na iharass ang ating mga vessels.”
Go likewise underscored that the resupply missions are integral to maintaining the nation’s presence in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
“Karamihan diyan ay nasa resupply mission lang po sa Ayungin Shoal, atin ‘yun eh. What is ours is ours. Kung ano ang nire-resupply natin, hindi naman tayo lumalabag sa batas. Ipinaglalaban natin kung ano lang po ‘yung atin,” concluded Go.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea reported that the collision was caused by “dangerous blocking maneuvers” by a CCG vessel, located 13.5 nautical miles east-northeast of the BRP Sierra Madre.
Despite these challenges, another Philippine vessel, Unaiza May 1, successfully resupplied troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.
Go previously condemned similar harassment of the Chinese in the area when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel fired water cannons against a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission in the same area.
Coast Guard modernization bill
To further improve the country’s maritime capabilities, Go has filed Senate Bill No. 2112, or the PCG Modernization Bill.
The proposed bill seeks to upgrade 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 coast guard’s vessels, aircraft, and equipment to meet international standards.
“Bilang inyong senador, nag-file din po ako (para sa) modernization ng ating Coast Guard, karagdagang kagamitan, mga modernong kagamitan po para naman po ma-reinforce natin ang ating Philippine Coast Guard,” said Go.
“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 pointed out.