Lawmaker calls for legal cases vs. China over ‘air incident’

In a statement, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said it is time for China “to be held accountable for its belligerence.” (File Photo: Senator Risa Hontiveros/Facebook)

By Wilnard Bacelonia, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Philippine government should now be preparing on filing legal cases against China before an international court following the “dangerous and provocative actions” of People’s Liberation Army Air Force against a Philippine Air Force aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc within 120 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales.

In a statement, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said it is time for China “to be held accountable for its belligerence.”

“I call on the Executive to start working on the filing of another round of legal cases before an international court,” Hontiveros said.

“Not only is China keeping our waters hostage, she has also started to encroach on our skies. These are clear and unacceptable violations of international law.”

Hontiveros added that Beijing must also be made accountable for any potential injury to personnel or damage to equipment caused.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also cited the latest harassment as “unacceptable” and “must be met with firm and decisive condemnation from the international community.”

“We urge the Chinese government to immediately stop this clear act of aggression and adhere to international law. This recent incident is a blatant violation of international aviation safety standards and the rights of all nations to carry out lawful maritime operations,” Estrada said in a separate statement.

“The Philippines has always advocated for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to territorial disputes with China and this incident undermines our efforts in de-escalating unnecessary tensions,” he added.

According to a report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine aircraft returned safely to base, and no one was harmed after the incident.

The incident has also been reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government agencies.