Radio challenges vs China, foreign ships are proof PH can assert claim sans war — Hontiveros

WITHIN EEZ Aboard BRP Cabra, Provisional Ensign Gretch Mary Acuario issued the radio challenge to Chinese and Vietnamese fishing vessels, prompting them to disperse from the vicinity of Marie Louise Bank on June 30. —PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines can assert ownership of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) without resorting to war, as shown when the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) made use of radio channels to drive away seven foreign vessels, Senator Risa Hontiveros stressed Tuesday.

“Hindi kailangang humantong sa giyera ang pagdepensa at pagprotekta natin ng WPS. Ang magigiting nating opisyal sa PCG ay mismong patunay na maaari tayong manindigan nang hindi nagiging marahas at malupit,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

(We do not have to resort into war to defend and protect the WPS. Our brave officials from the PCG are proof that we can stand up without becoming violent and cruel.)

“Considering the heightened tensions in the disputed waters, official commendation should be given to our officers. It’s the least we can do for those who serve on the frontlines of our national security,” she added.

Recently, the PCG BRP Cabra was able to drive away five Chinese and two Vietnamese fishing vehicles spotted in Marie Louise Bank in the WPS through a radio challenge.

Hontiveros, meanwhile, called on the Department of Transportation to honor the efforts of the PCG for successfully driving away the foreign vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

“Congratulations are in order for the PCG personnel who bravely stood up for our sovereign rights. These acts of bravery should not go unnoticed. Hindi madali ang obligasyong ito, kaya’t sana mabigyan sila ng parangal para sa bawat pagtindig,(This is not an easy obligation,which is why they deserved to be honored for their bravery),” she said.

Hontiveros added that she felt proud of the heroic efforts by the PCG against the foreign vessels to protect the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“We need to be able to regularly and continuously give commendations so as to encourage more officers to steadfastly defend and protect our seas and our people,” the senator said.

She also noted that last May, Chinese vessels also dispersed from Sabina Shoal in the WPS, after the PCG issued a radio challenge for entering the EEZ of the country. — Sofia Vertucio, trainee

EDV