Ayungin is ours – Go

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go expressed his deep concern over the recent actions of the Chinese Coast Guard against a Philippine Coast Guard ship near Ayungin Shoal, which he said is a Philippine territory.

The vice chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense reiterated his call to ensure that the country’s interests and national security are protected.

“While I am for a peaceful and diplomatic means of resolving the issue, just like the stand of former president Duterte — what is ours is ours and we should fight for what is ours,” Go said.

“I am bothered that the Chinese Coast Guard used a military-grade laser on our Coast Guard personnel. They should not have oppressed our countrymen,” he added.

The senator said that the Philippines should not cede even a small portion of its territory.

“Ayungin Shoal is ours and we have been running resupply missions since we established a permanent post aboard BRP Sierra Madre. I am appealing to the executive to promptly act on what appeared to be an unsafe act against our people,” the senator said.

“I am confident that President Bongbong Marcos will always push for our rights in the West Philippine Sea and fight for what is ours,” he added.

The President summoned the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, over the incident.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza described the incident as “disturbing and disappointing.”

“The Philippines has the prerogative to conduct legitimate activities within its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. China does not have law enforcement rights or powers in and around Ayungin Shoal or any part of the Philippine exclusive economic zone,” she said.