(April 9, 2021) – The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday expressed concerns regarding the incident in the West Philippine Sea, where China’s vessels pursued a Filipino boat carrying a television crew.
ABS-CBN News reporter Chiara Zambrano said they were supposed to go to Ayungin Shoal but China’s ships armed with missiles immediately chased them away even though they were sailing within the country’s territory.
“May lumapit na puting barko ng China Coast Guard at dumidiretso. Nakikita namin na papunta sa direksyon namin ‘yung barko. Maya-maya ay nagradyo ito at sa salitang Ingles ay tinatanong kung sino kami at ano ginagawa namin doon?,” said Zambrano in an interview with ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol. “Kahit kami ay nasa ruta na papauwi ng mainland ay mga isang oras kaming hinabol.”
Zambrano added they were followed by two Type 22 Houbei missile boats, a ship class in China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said they have directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through its Western Command to investigate the incident.
Andolong noted that the outcome of the probe will be used to coordinate any appropriate action through the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea and engagement among the other concerned agencies.
AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said they have already reached out to Zambrano to provide raw footage or pictures of the incident to help in the investigation.
“We have accommodated members of media in our ships and aircraft to do their coverage so they can be protected while in the practice of their profession. Amidst the situation, the AFP reiterates its commitment to follow the dictates of the Constitution to protect the people and secure our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” said Arevalo in a statement.
Vice President Leni Robredo, meanwhile, said while she appreciates the recent strong stance of the Philippines against China, what happened to Zambrano and her crew was “heartbreaking.”
“My source of comfort now is the strong statement released by (DND) Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), kasi pinaglalaban tayo. Pero to watch the video, iba iyong napapanood mo rather than nababasa. Alam mo iyon? Iyong takot na dinadala ng mga mangingisda natin every day of their lives, when this is an area where they have every right to fish, tapos tinataboy sila nang ganoon,” said Robredo.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros slammed the repeated remarks of China that the vessels will not permanently stay in the West Philippine Sea and that they’re only seeking shelter due to bad weather conditions.
“ABS-CBN’s Chiara Zambrano checked their boat’s location, and they were only 90 nautical miles from Palawan. That’s almost just as far as going to Cavite from Tarlac. Clearly, they were within our exclusive economic zone, and yet, China’s war vessels brazenly charged in their direction,” said Hontiveros.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, said it’s time for the country to review its Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement options with the United States following the latest bullying incident of China.
(Kiko Demigillo/PM)
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