By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Not long after three Filipino fisherfolk sustained injuries arising from an attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels on Filipino fishing boats in Escoda Shoal on Dec. 12, Malacañang condemned this latest instance of Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Twenty fishing boats were subjected to water cannoning and dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese vessels, in what can be described as the first instance of such attacks carried out directly against Filipino fisherfolk.
The PCG vessels—BRP Malapascua and BRP Cape Engaño—deployed to respond to the affected fisherfolk were likewise subjected to “repeated blocking and dangerous maneuvers” by three CCG vessels.
At a press briefing Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to prioritize the welfare of Filipinos making a living in the hotly disputed waters of WPS.
Castro told the media, “Ipinag-utos din po na magkaroon ng deployment sa mga strategic location para bantayan at mabigyang-proteksyon ang ating mga mangingisda.
She added further, “Sinusuportahan po ng Pangulo ang pagbili ng Coast Guard vessels para mas marami po [ang] makapagbantay din po sa ating interes at sa interes ng ating mga kababayan.”
The Palace mouthpiece concluded her remarks by urging the citizenry to unite in the face of such adverse challenges that continue to undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights.
“Ito po ang panahon upang ang bawat Pilipino ay magkaisa, iangat ang interes ng bansa natin, iangat ang interes ng kapwa Pilipino natin.”
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