Former Senator Kiko Pangilinan has strongly condemned China’s latest aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) following the return of its biggest coast guard ship dubbed “The Monster” in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“Mariin nating kinokondena ang iligal na pagpasok ng sasakyang pandagat ng China sa ating teritoryo. Hindi tayo dapat magpatinag, mas malaki man at mas malakas ang China sa atin. Lalabanan natin ang kanilang pambu-bully (We strongly condemn the illegal entry of China’s shipping vessels in our territory. We will not yield, even if China is bigger and stronger than us. We will fight their bullying) ,” Pangilinan said.
After leaving the area on Wednesday, the 12,000-ton “The Monster” returned to the WPS, and was spotted just 100 kilometers from Capones Island in Zambales.
The former senator reiterated his call to the government to file diplomatic protest against China for its continued intrusion into the country’s EEZ, noting that the presence of its vessels in the area poses a significant security threat and deters the country’s ability to fully utilize its natural resources, especially its fishermen.
“Muli, nananawagan tayo sa gobyerno na magsampa ng diplomatic protest laban sa China. Huwag nating hayaan ang patuloy na panggigipit at pang-aagaw ng China sa ating teritoryo (Once again, we call on the government to file a diplomatic protest against China. Let’s not allow their continuing pressure and appropriation in our territory),” Pangilinan said.
“Batay sa desisyon ng arbitral tribunal, malinaw na atin ang teritoryo na pilit inaangkin ng China. Sama-sama tayong tumindig laban sa kanilang panghihimasok dahil wala silang karapatan na gawin ito (Based on the arbitral tribunal’s decision, the territory being claimed by China is clearly ours. Let’s altogether stand against their trespassing because they don’t have a right to),” he added.
