We strongly condemn the recent actions of the Chinese Coast Guard against the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3302) while operating from Hasa-Hasa Shoal to Escoda Shoal.
The Hasa-Hasa (Half-Moon) Shoal and Escoda (Sabina) Shoal are both legally and rightfully within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The resupply mission of BRP Datu Sanday is entirely legitimate and well within our jurisdiction and sovereign rights.
The ramming, blasting of horns, and use of water cannons on our vessels are not only illegal but inhumane and cruel to safety of those at sea.
We echo the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea’s (NTF-WPS) call on the government of the People’s Republic of China to immediately cease all provocative and dangerous actions that threaten the safety of Philippine vessels. These actions undercut regional peace and security. (OSLL)
