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NSA welcomes G7 hit maritime aggression
By Nidz Gorino
“Resolute stance of G7 nations against dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia in South China Sea, particularly obstruction of high seas freedom of navigation, is significant affirmation of principles of international law and rules-based international order,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said in statement by supporting Philippines against China’s harassment at sea and flouting of international law, world’s seven richest and most influential countries comprising Group of Seven (G7) have made “significant affirmation” of importance of rules-based order.
On the last day of its summit in Italy, G7 voiced its support for Philippine position on West Philippine Sea issue and reaffirmed its disapproval of China’s sweeping claims as well as its militarization in South China Sea and East China Sea. It’s in East China Sea where Shikoku group of islets being contested by Japan and China is located.
G7 is composed of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States.
“We appreciate G7’s explicit condemnation of increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels. This acknowledgment underscores international community’s recognition of threats faced by our nation and reaffirms importance of upholding rule of law in maritime disputes, we stand with G7 in opposing China’s militarization, coercive actions, and intimidation activities in the region, G7’s reiteration of significance of 2016 Arbitral Award is vital reminder that this ruling is legally binding…it serves as crucial basis for peaceful resolution of disputes,” Año said referring to ruling issued by Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague. Ruling, stemmed from case filed in 2013 by Aquino administration, invalidated Beijing’s nine-dash line claim and reaffirmed Philippines’ maritime entitlements.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with G7 and international community in general in upholding maritime law and ensuring South China Sea remains zone of peace, freedom, and cooperation,” Año maintained.
He cited possibility that government has been infiltrated by people on Beijing’s payroll or by Filipinos willing to betray their country and undermine its sovereignty to repay favors from China.
Investigations conducted by both Senate and House of Representatives “have made clear that due to lackadaisical, if not criminal, conduct of many government personnel, it is now impossible for foreigners with malicious intent to acquire documentation allowing them not only entry but residence in the Philippines, perhaps even to pass themselves off as natural-born Filipino citizens and thus qualify for public office,” Roman Catholic Prelate Socrates Villegas said.
The Pangasinan prelate also called on legislators to be resolute in their investigations and forthright in reporting to people extent of infiltration into country’s national and local institutions by Chinese agents and lackeys.
He also asked prosecutors and judges to prosecute and punish those who have made mockery of legal and administrative processes that allowed foreigners to harm country’s security and interests.
He also praised men and women in uniform who patrol Philippine waters, providing escort to fishermen and defending country’s territory. He expressed hope they are receiving sufficient support from government.
“Take courage…defend our seas and our people…be heroes we need now,” he stressed, addressing military and civilian personnel involved in patrolling and defending country’s territorial waters who bear brunt of Chinese harassment…I call on every Filipino, particularly those in Archdiocese off Lingayen-Dagupan to stand proud and tall and not to cower in fear lest our sacred rights are trampled on,” Villegas also said.
Villegas has also voiced opposition to Philippine offshore gaming operator, saying monetary gains from POGOs “are overshadowed completely by threat they carry with them.”
Recent raids on some POGO establishments had exposed “evil” offshoots of POGO such as human trafficking, torture and money laundering. He said POGO businesses should not receive legal protection anymore and, instead, be outlawed.
Villegas also said apart from political, military and security issues, China’s transgression also affects moral and social issues as Filipino fishermen are being deprived of the resources God has made available to everyone. He said Filipinos have right to defend nature against destructive forces particularly greed and arrogance.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop is also inviting fanatics to take part in Rosary Campaign from June 27 until Solemnity of the Assumption on Aug. 15.
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