Escudero tells DFA to be proactive on West Philippine Sea issue after latest collision

June 20, 2024 , 08:40 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(June 20, 2024) – Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero on Thursday expressed his concerns over the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea following the recent collision in Ayungin Shoal.

Escudero called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to provide a comprehensive briefing about the incident, including measures to address the intensifying conflict, which he tagged as “alarming.”

He added that the DFA should take a “proactive approach.”

“The DFA should go beyond the filing of diplomatic protests each time an incident occurs, and must explore every means to conduct a meaningful dialogue with their counterparts from Beijing with the end in view of avoiding further escalation, without giving up any of our rights and privileges,” said Escudero in a media release.

The DFA earlier denounced the “illegal and aggressive actions” of the China Coast Guard (CGG) near Ayungin Shoal last Monday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that seven personnel of the Philippine Navy were hurt after the collision between a local vessel in a resupply mission and a CCG ship.

A Filipino soldier lost his thumb during the incident.

Escudero also urged the AFP to find “alternative methods” to ensure the success of resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which is located 105 nautical miles west of Palawan and is within the country’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone.

“So that our troops are properly resupplied while minimizing the risks and achieving our desired objectives,” said Escudero.

Recently, China implemented its new anti-trespassing policy in its claimed territories. Perceived trespassers would be detained for up to 60 days without trial.

The West Philippine Sea overlaps with China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration dismissed China’s so-called nine-dash line, favoring the Philippines’ rights in the majority of the disputed territories.

Last May, Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. vowed to protect the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea against China’s bullying tactics.

ALSO READ: Experts tout Marcos ‘subtle’ speech to assert rights in West Philippine Sea

Marcos has employed a “friend to all” approach in his foreign policy.

(PM)

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