MANILA – The incident where a Filipino vessel was chased by armed Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea left Vice President Leni Robredo infuriated and heartbroken.
“When you watch the video, nakakagalit, nakakadurog ng puso na nangyayari ‘yon within our territory,” Robredo told ANC’s “Headstart” on Friday.
On Thursday, Chinese ships, including missile-capable boats, chased down a Filipino vessel near Ayungin Shoal, which is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The Filipino vessel was traveling across various reefs and shoals in the West Philippine Sea to check the livelihood of Filipino fishermen affected by the presence of the Chinese ships.
Robredo also expressed concern on the fishermen’s safety in the area.
“‘Yong takot na dinadala ng mga mangingisda natin every day of their lives when this is an area where they have every right to fish. Tapos, itataboy sila ng gano’n. Parang nakakaano siya, very heartbreaking,” she added.
According to her, the government could invoke the country’s arbitral victory that invalidated China’s sweeping claims on West Philippine Sea.
“One of the things we could have done since 2016 was to use the decision of the ruling, to team up with all the other neighboring countries who are going through the same struggles. Parang to use the ruling to be able to have a stronger position,” she said.
Sought by Panay News over the incident, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace is leaving it to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defense./PN
