Sen. Robin Padilla Asks Why Philippine Coast Guard Allegedly Doesn’t Buy Stronger Water Cannons
The Philippine Coast Guard responded to the remarks of minority Senator Robin Padilla asking for an acquisition of a stronger water cannon to fight back at Chinese vessels.
One of the national issues that continues for several years now is the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea. The 2016 Arbitral Ruling that took the side of the Philippines was not honored by the Chinese government.
Photo Source: Inquirer
Unfortunately, recent reports about the happenings in the West Philippine Sea showed that the tension between the Philippine and Chinese authorities in the area have escalated. It sparked calls from the Filipinos for the government to stand by its sovereignty.
China reportedly fired the PH vessel with water cannon in the West Philippine Sea
. There were also previous incidents of reported blocking and tailing of some PH vessels by the Chinese vessels. Recently, the maritime dispute between the two (2) countries have become a loud issue again.
Photo Source: Philstar
Recently, Philippine Ambassador Flor Cruz was summoned by the Chinese officials after an alleged use of the caricature of Chinese President Xi Jinping in a program by the officials of the Philippine Coast Guard. According to Malacañang, in the said meeting, Cruz reaffirmed the stand of the Philippines on the maritime dispute with China.
The Palace also reiterated the previous remarks of President Bongbong Marcos that he will not surrender an inch of the Philippine territory to foreign nations. Amid the issue, Sen. Robin Padilla called out the Philippine Coast Guard and stressed that respect should come two ways.
Photo Source: ABS-CBN
According to Padilla, even if he is a member of the opposition, he will also get angry if a caricature of Pres. Bongbong Marcos will be used by foreign officials. The minority Senator also reacted to the claims of the Philippine Coast Guard about the supposed incidents wherein the PH vessels are attacked by the water cannons of China.
Sen.
Robin Padilla asked why the Philippine Coast Guard is allegedly not purchasing stronger equipment to fight back
at Chinese authorities in the West Philippine Sea. PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela reacted to the question raised by the lawmaker.
Photo Courtesy of Inquirer
“Kinikilala nating ang tamang paggamit ng water cannon: Ito ay para makapagligtas ng buhay, hindi para manakit ng kapwa-tao at manira ng ibang barko,”
the PCG Chief said.
Furthermore, based on the
post
, Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela claimed that China is only allegedly looking for a way to blame the Philippines on the increased tension in the West Philippine Sea. According to him, the moment that the PCG will use their water cannons, it will supposedly give the Chinese Coast Guard a reason to level up their aggression.
“Alam natin na ang China ay naghahanap ng paraan para maisisi sa atin ang pagtaas ng tensyon sa West Philippine Sea. The moment we use our water cannons, the China Coast Guard may have a justification to increase their aggression to the next level,”
Tarriela expressed.
Previously, Vice Pres.
Sara Duterte explained her silence on the West Philippine Sea issue