Estrada condemns CCG harassment of BRP Teresa Magbanua
Philippine News Agency
By Wilnard Bacelonia
July 18, 2025, 2:19 pm
MANILA -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Friday denounced the China Coast Guard (CCG) for tailing and obstructing the BRP Teresa Magbanua near Bajo de Masinloc, saying the incident was a blatant show of aggression within the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
In a statement, Estrada said the latest act of harassment against Philippine maritime personnel occurred on July 15 in waters firmly recognized under international law as part of the Philippines' EEZ.
"Muli na namang nagpamalas ng dahas ang China Coast Guard at sa pagkakataong ito'y nais pang baligtarin ang katotohanan at palabasin na may mali sa isinagawang maritime patrol ang BRP Teresa Magbanua (The China Coast Guard once again demonstrated aggression and is now trying to twist the truth and claim that the BRP Teresa Magbanua was at fault during its maritime patrol)," he said.
He emphasized that nine years have passed since the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines and invalidated China's expansive claims over the West Philippine Sea.
"Yet, China continues to ignore this decision and has been incessantly harassing our maritime personnel, scientists, and fisherfolk," Estrada said.
He expressed full support for the Philippine Coast Guard, calling for an immediate end to the CCG's "aggressive, dangerous, and bullying tactics."
"No amount of intimidation or coercive behavior can ever erase the fact that the Philippines' sovereign rights are enshrined in international law -- and no hostile action can invalidate what is rightfully ours," he said. (PNA)
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