Manila, Philippines – Three Filipino fishermen suffered injuries and bruises after the Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia Vessel harassed, blocked and water cannoned the Filipino fishing boat within the vicinity of Escoda Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea.
Two Filipino fishing boats were also damaged, due to the strong pressure of the water cannon from the Chinese ships, which occurred on Friday.
According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela, the agency will remain in its mandate to protect Filipino fishermen and maintain safety in the West Philippine Sea.
The PCG also called on China to comply with international law, and prioritize the safety of innocent fishermen.
Allied countries of the Philippines have expressed concern and strongly condemned the repeated harassment of Chinese ships in the West Philippines.
According to Canada, Australia, and the United States, China should respect international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and stop any kind of illegal action that disrupts stability and peace in the region.
According to Filipino’s Do Not Yield Movement Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, what Chinese ships are doing in the country’s territory cannot be called harassment, if it is intentional aggression.
The group also said that Beijing has clearly violated the rights of fishermen in the waters covered by the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone based on the 2016 Arbitration Award.
In a statement released by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, the CCG only took necessary action, including verbal warnings to Filipino fishing boats.
China continues to claim Nansha Quando, including Xianbin Jian as adjacent waters of Beijing.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News