Manila, Philippines – The Philippines government is set to file a diplomatic protest against China over the water cannon attack that damaged a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship and injured a personnel on board.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it will file a note verbale with China over the incident.
Manila last filed a diplomatic protest against Beijing last week over China’s plan to build a nature reserve in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal.
The National Maritime Council strongly condemned the water cannon attacks by the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia vessel on the BFAR ship.
The NMC insisted that the BFAR’s humanitarian routine was a legitimate and lawful mission when the incident occurred.
The NMC also condemned the live-fire exercises announced by the People’s Liberation Army Navy warship 525 in the Bajo de Masinloc area, the same day the CCG bombardment of the BFAR ship occurred.
Noting that China’s provocative and dangerous actions posed risk to Philippine vessels and fishermen.
The NMC noted, Beijing clearly violated the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 Arbitral Award and the safe standards of International maritime.
The Philippines also called on the Philippines to cease its illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea and cooperate with diplomacy, dialogue and constructive methods.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News