JV Ejercito to PH Navy, Coast Guard: Inspect Chinese vessels in Manila Bay for PLA spies
August 08, 2023
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito on Tuesday
said the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard should inspect Chinese
ships involved in reclamation and dredging activities along Manila Bay.
Ejercito said the People’s Liberation Army
(PLA) can use these vessels to mobilize spies and conduct surveillance
operations in Manila.
“The Coast Guard and Navy should check on
these Chinese vessels undertaking the reclamation of Manila Bay. These are
manned by the Chinese. It is not far-fetched that some PLA intelligence
(agents) are on board these vessels! Masyado na silang malapit. Nasa Manila Bay
na!”
Ejercito’s suggestion came after Chinese Coast
Guards blocked and fired water cannons at a Philippine resupply mission near
Ayungin Shoal last Saturday.
He also urged the national government to
review all Chinese interests in the Philippines and called on the Armed Forces
of the Philippines to reject China’s invitation for a joint military exercise.
Moreover, the lawmaker from San Juan asked the
national government to expedite the modernization of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) and expand the country’s defense pacts with its allies.
During the Senate’s deliberations on the 2023 national
budget, Ejercito was one of the staunchest defenders of the AFP Modernization
Program.
