APOLOGY DEMAND | Protest sought by group after China’s latest water cannon attack in West Philippine Sea

March 25, 2024 , 11:15 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(March 25, 2024) – After China launched another water cannon attack against a civilian ship of the Philippines, a progressive coalition on Sunday called on the public to conduct “retaliatory protests” to condemn the dangerous act.

Atin Ito also called on the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to summon China’s ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to demand an apology for what the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) did to resupply vessel Unaizah May (UM) 4 last Saturday.

Should Huang refuse to apologize, Atin Ito urged that he be told to leave the Philippines.

“We denounce the violent and unjustified attack by the Chinese Coast Guard, the latest water cannon attack in our territorial waters in just four months,” said Akbayan president Rafaela David, a co-convenor of Atin Ito. “Absent of an apology, the Chinese ambassador must leave our country.”

In a statement, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said the resupply vessel sustained “significant damage” while the personnel on board were injured because of the hazardous move of China. It noted that the injured personnel were given medical aid.

The NTF-WPS also noted that the CCG teamed up with Beijing’s maritime militia vessels to attack UM 4, which was on a regular rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. Despite the attacks and block attempts, the NTF-WPS said the deployed personnel were able to finish the RORE mission.

“China’s latest acts of unprovoked aggression, coercion, and dangerous maneuvers against a legitimate and routine Philippine RORE mission to Ayungin Shoal, have once again placed at risk, caused severe damage to property, and caused physical harm to Filipinos on board UM 4,” said the NTF-WPS.

Both the NTF-WPS and Atin Ito said the dangerous act of China clearly constitutes a violation of international law.

China has consistently refused to recognize the landmark ruling issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2016, which nullified what Beijing now calls the 10-dash line.

With the continued aggression by China, Atin Ito urged the people to take part in peaceful protests against Beijing’s bullying tactics that have imperiled Filipino personnel and local ships.

“This will not only voice dissent but also demonstrate solidarity in defense of our sovereignty and territorial rights,” said David, urging the government to enforce PCA’s historic ruling. “This victory is ours, and it is our responsibility to work with other nations to uphold this law. The lives of our troops are at risk. The time to act is now.”

Based on a report by Reuters, China has reiterated its territorial claim in the maritime area after the latest water cannon attack, as it even warned the Philippines against supposed “provocative” moves.

“We warn the Philippines to stop making any remarks that may lead to the intensification of conflicts and escalation of the situation, and stop all infringing and provocative actions,” said China’s Ministry of National Defense.

(PM)

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