Former Senator Kiko Pangilinan rejected Russia’s excuse that its submarine stayed in Philippine waters solely to wait for improved weather conditions before returning home.
“Hindi kapani-paniwala ang palusot ng Russia na nagpalipas lang ng sama ng panahon ang submarine nito sa karagatang sakop ng Pilipinas,” Pangilinan said, referring to the vessel spotted 80 nautical miles west of Cape Calavite, Occidental Mindoro, on November 28.
“Mismong eskperto na ang nagsabi na hindi apektado ng surface weather ang submarine dahil nasa ilalim ito ng tubig,” he added.
Pangilinan urged the government to assert the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish freely in the country’s territorial waters without fear or intimidation.
Pangilinan emphasized that such incidents should not be ignored, saying this may compromise the country’s national security and territorial integrity.
The former Senator also condemned the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy’s harassment of Filipino fishermen at Rozul Reef.
In a report by the Philippine Coast Guard, a PLA Navy helicopter circled around the boat of Filipino fishermen near Rozul Reef, which is close to Palawan.
“Walang karapatan ang China na gawin ito dahil ang Rozul Reef ay saklaw ng teritoryo ng Pilipinas at may karapatan ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino na kumuha ng ikabubuhay doon,” Pangilinan emphasized.
He urged the government to assert the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish freely in the country’s territorial waters without fear or intimidation.
The former senator also called on authorities to intensify monitoring efforts to ensure the protection of the country’s territorial integrity and defend the rights of Filipino fishermen.
