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STATEMENT OF SENATOR JV EJERCITO ON CHINA’S INTRUSION OF MONSTER SHIP AND SUBMERSIBLE DRONE IN PH WATERS

January 16, 2025

The year may have just begun, but China’s continued aggressive and illegal actions are already undermining our security, violating international law, and endangering our Filipino fishermen. But, let me make this clear: we will not back down.

I strongly condemn the intrusion of China’s “monster ship,” CCG 5901, near Zambales and well into our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This massive vessel, four times the size of our BRP Cabra, is a blatant display of force intended to intimidate our fishermen and challenge our sovereignty.

Taliwas sa palusot ng China na ito’y isang “routine patrolling,” ang kanilang presensya sa ating katubigan ay isang malinaw na paglabag sa international maritime laws, tulad ng 2016 Hague ruling. Dagdag pa rito ang pagkakatuklas sa China-made submersible drone malapit sa San Pascual, Masbate, na posibleng gamitin sa pagmamanman o military purposes.

While we remain hopeful for positive outcomes in the bilateral talks, we must prioritize strengthening our minimum credible defense posture. Now more than ever, our Coast Guard and Armed Forces need modern ships, advanced technology, and other tools to effectively defend our sovereignty and secure our waters.

The government must also strengthen multilateral agreements, such as the Mutual Defense Treaty, and advance joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, as these are crucial to ensuring our national security.

Sa mga kababayan nating mangingisda: Kaisa ninyo kami. Hindi tayo magpapadaig lalo pa’t sa sarili nating katubigan.

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