HOW SHOULD we view the Chinese vessel’s sinking of a Filipino boat, endangering the lives of 22 Filipino fishermen who were left clinging on for their lives for hours in the West Philippine Sea?
The Chinese government’s statement that the Chinese vessel, trawler Yuemaobinyu 42212, “accidentally” bumped into a Filipino fishing boat, FB Gem-Vir 1, was pure hogwash. Iloilo’s Sen. Franklin Drilon is right when he said, “Sa lenggawe sa kalsada, masyado naman tayong ginagago ng pamahalaan ng China.” Indeed, that is clear from the accounts of the Filipino fishermen and the circumstances by which the Vietnamese vessel found and rescued the Filipino crew. The Filipinos were abandoned after the Chinese vessel hit their boat.
The incident was part of China’s bullying tactics to assert its territorial claim in the West Philippine Sea. This is not just a collision of two fishing vessels. This reveals the alarming mindset of China, which is to bully the Philippines because of our claims in the West Philippine Sea. It should be taken in that context.
Taking into consideration China’s actions these past three years despite the policy of appeasement by our government, Senator Drilon sees a clear pattern of bullying and intimidation. We agree.
Also, it is evident that China violated the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Yes, the Chinese government owed the Filipino people an apology. And yes, at the very least, we should demand an apology from them. We should hold China responsible for this. We can elevate this case to the United Nations and other international forum. The issue involved the country’s sovereignty and its pride as a nation and, therefore, the government must be able to speak up and stand up to a bully like China.
It is important that the government is able to assert our sovereignty and point out the indignity committed against our people. It is something that we must do and sustain. A multi-lateral approach in resolving the West Philippine Sea issue can be more favorable to the Philippines. The current administration’s bilateral approach and policy of appeasement is proving to be ineffective.
For the stability and peace in the West Philippine Sea, all claimants, not just the Philippines and China, should discuss the matter.
