Pagtawid ng Chinese aircraft carrier sa Basilan, kinondena

ISANG malinaw na paninindak at kawalan ng respeto sa Pilipinas ang pagpasok at pagtawid ng Chinese aircraft carrier strike group sa bahagi ng Basilan strait bago naglayag tungo sa Celebes Sea.

Sa isang kalatas, mariing kinondena ni House Prosecution Panel adviser at spokesman Ace Barbers ginawa ng China navy na hindi lang aniya pagbalewala sa radio challenges ng Philippine maritime authorities kundi maging ang pagpatay sa Automatic Identification System (AIS) nito.

“This is not just a matter of Chinese warships passing through our waters. It is a matter of respect for the Philippines, our maritime authorities, and our sovereign rights. You cannot expect to be treated with courtesy when you deliberately ignore the authorities responsible for monitoring your movements,” tigas na sabi pa ng former Mindanaoan lawmaker.

Giit ni Barbers, hindi maaaring gamitin ng China ang doctrine of innocent passage bilang dahilan sa pagsasagawa nito ng military exercises, intelligence-gathering activities na banta naman sa seguridad ng Pilipinas.

“Such conduct may constitute non-innocent passage under Article 19 of UNCLOS and may warrant immediate Philippine diplomatic and operational action. Such conduct raises grave questions about respect for our sovereignty and compliance with international maritime laws,” ani Barbers.

“What makes this incident more alarming is the reported switching off of their AIS. When foreign warships operate without responding to legitimate communications from Philippine authorities, they create unnecessary uncertainty and undermine confidence. That is a direct challenge that crosses the line into disrespect. China must explain its actions instead of expecting the Filipino people to simply look the other way,” dagdag pa niya.

Binigyan-diin ni Barbers na hindi dapat hayaan ng bansa ang laki o lakas ng puwersa ng Chinese fleet para takutin ang maritime personnel nito o pahinain ang paninindigang protektahan at ipaglaban ang national interests. 

“China must understand one fundamental truth: the Philippines is not a doormat, and our silence must never be mistaken for weakness. We will not be intimidated by aircraft carriers, escort warships, or calculated displays of military power. If Beijing expects respect for its own interests, it must also respect the Philippines, our institutions, and the men and women entrusted with protecting our maritime domain,” mariing sabi pa niya Barbers

“Our Navy and Coast Guard are performing their duties. They deserve our full support, not the contempt of a foreign power that appears to believe its military strength entitles it to disregard our authorities,” sambit pa niya.

Kaya naman hinimok niya ang Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, Department of National Defense at Department of Foreign Affairs na palakasin ang koordinasyon sa isa’t-isa, tipunin at itabi ang radar at radio records, dokumento ng foreign vessel movements, at isulong ang kaukulang diplomatic action kung kinakailangan.

Muli ring binuhay ni Barbers ang matagal na niyang panawagan na magkaroon ng malakas na Philippine maritime security presence sa Surigao del Norte,  kabilang ang paglalagay ng Philippine Navy o Coast Guard facility at seryosong ikonsidera na magkaroon ng kaukulang Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site. 

“Kaya nga matagal na nating sinasabi na dapat magkaroon ng mas matatag na presensya ang ating Navy o Coast Guard sa Surigao del Norte, at pag-aralan din ang posibilidad ng EDCA site sa lugar. Hindi natin dapat hintaying lumala ang banta bago palakasin ang ating depensa at maritime surveillance. We need stronger monitoring capabilities, faster response times, and a more visible Philippine presence in our strategic waters.”