That Chinese aggression towards Philippine vessels right within our own Exclusive Economic Zone is taking place with alarming frequency does not make it any less reprehensible, legal, or morally right. Just a few days ago, on June 20, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels once again harassed Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels near Bajo de Masinloc. CCG ship 4106 shadowed and issued radio threats to the BRP Datu Daya and BRP Datu Bangkaya, falsely claiming the area as Chinese territory. On the same day, other Philippine vessels — BRP Datu Taradapit and BRP Datu Tamblot — were also attacked with water cannons. The United States, South Korea, and New Zealand have publicly denounced these water cannon attacks.

Manhit, V. A. (2025, July 2). Refusal to champion PHL interests is a dereliction of sworn duty. BusinessWorld, p. S1/7.