📷Bayan Muna Executive Vice President Carlos Isagani Zarate
Bayan Muna Partylist strongly condemns the brazen and hostile ramming of two Philippine Coast Guard ships by Chinese vessels in Escoda Shoal, West Philippine Sea. This aggressive act, which occurred yesterday, resulted in damages to the BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño, both of which were operating within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
“This latest act of aggression is an outrageous assault on our sovereignty and a clear violation of international law,” said former House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Executive Vice President Carlos Isagani Zarate. He emphasized the urgent need for the Philippine government to respond assertively and hold China accountable for this blatant violation.
Zarate further stated, “This reckless provocation must be met with a firm stand and condemnation. It is high time to bring these aggressive acts to the concerned international tribunal, even to the United Nations. But, even as we call for a stop to China’s continuing aggression, Bayan Muna also warns other western powers led by the US not to exploit the situation to further heighten tensions in the West Philippine Sea.”
Bayan Muna calls for a unified response from the international community to ensure the upholding of international maritime laws and the protection of the Philippines’ sovereign rights. The party also reiterates its commitment to peaceful resolutions and the avoidance of any actions that could escalate conflicts in the region.
