Very recently, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon slammed China Coast Guard for harming personnel of the Philippine Navy who were on a resupply mission at sea and the incident was captured on video, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. A Philippine seaman lost his finger as a result of a Chinese vessel ramming a Philippine rubber boat.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Muntinlupa Mayor and former representative Ruffy Biazon condemned the China Coast Guard for attacking and hurting Philippine Navy troops who were doing a humanitarian rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal in the Spratlys Island in Palawan on June 17.
“The only Coast Guard in the world that puts life at sea in danger,” Biazon posted on X.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said, “The China Coast Guard’s coercive, aggressive, and barbaric actions during the humanitarian rotation and resupply mission at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on June 17, resulted in severe damage to AFP vessels, including their communication and navigation equipment.”
As a result of the China Coast Guard’s attack, Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo’s finger was cut off when the Chinese vessel rammed a Philippine rubber boat.
In a statement, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that “the Chinese Coast Guard has no right or legal authority to interfere with our legitimate operations or damage our assets within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”
“This reckless and aggressive behavior has caused bodily harm and constitutes a blatant violation of international maritime law, Philippine sovereignty, and sovereign rights. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly denounces these actions, which not only infringe upon our maritime rights but also pose significant risks to regional stability. The AFP remains committed to upholding the rule of law and will collaborate with international partners to ensure and secure peace and stability across the West Philippine Sea and the Indo-Pacific Region,” he said.
Biazon said the China Coast Guard has been violating maritime regulations.
“They are invoking the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the best thing for them to do is file a formal complaint at the IMO [International Maritime Organization]. But of course, they won’t do that because they know they have been violating it themselves for a long time now,” he said.
He added, “In the hands of military or even coast guard, the bolos & knives are weapons. Using them against persons or property to cause injury or death or damage is an attack. Define ‘Armed attack/ now, in the context of the MDT [Mutual Defense Treaty].”
“Point to ponder : If CCG [China Coast Guard] has the audacity to board a PH RHIB (Philippine Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat],will they have the impunity to board a grounded PH LST [Philippine landing ship, tank]? I think the AFP should state as early as now that our soldiers won’t be restrained to fire weapons in defense if LS 57 [BRP Sierra Madre)] is forcibly boarded by foreign forces,” added Biazon.
Biazon called on senators and representatives to speak up about the latest attack on Philippine troops.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you agree with Mayor Biazon slamming China Coast Guard for harming Philippine Navy personnel at sea? What do you think will it take for the Philippines to push back against Chinese agresssion?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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Author Carlo Carrasco 