National Security Adviser (NSA) Sec. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Wednesday (Nov. 24) said that the Philippines did not trespass during the resupply mission as Ayungin Shoal is a part of Philippine territory.
“Nagkaroon tayo ng mga press releases lalo na noong sinasabi ng China na tayo daw ay trespassing. Paano magiging trespassing iyan [kung] nasa loob ng exclusive economic zone natin iyan at nasa loob ng Kalayaan Island Group,” Esperon said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
“Walang karapatan ang China dahil iyan ay teritoryo natin,” he added.
Esperon said that China, being a signatory to the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea, must follow said convention.
“Dapat ang namamayani diyan ay ang international order na tulad ng United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea which was ratified in 1984 and came into effect in 1994,” Esperon said.
“Signatory diyan ang China at ang ASEAN, kaya dapat sumunod ang China sa mga international law na mga ito, mga conventions. Matagal nang pinag-usapan ito sa United Nations kaya dapat sumunod ang China,” he said.
Esperon said the legislature is planning to conduct a congressional investigation regarding the bombing of water cannons by Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal. – PG – bny
