They should explain

In the latest use of a water cannon on our ships carrying food and supplies to fishermen in Panatag Shoal, a notably stronger pressure was used where the steel railing of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship was bent. Just imagine if that hit a person. When the incident occurred, a foreign correspondent for Telegraph Asia Nicola Smith was on board the PCG BRP Bagacay. She experienced first-hand the uncalled-for violent actions of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG). She said she could hear nothing but the raging force of the water and the crew shouting orders.

It was timely a foreign correspondent was on that supply mission. The whole world becomes aware of Beijing's bullying towards Filipinos who only want to bring aid and supplies to our fishermen, especially at this time of extreme heat. According to Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of the PCG for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the water cannon attack by the ships of the CCG has intensified compared to previous missions, especially compared to the administration of President Duterte.

Therefore, officials of the former administration, especially those who have cheered Duterte’s shift to Beijing should explain what exactly the so-called "gentleman's agreement" between President Duterte and China regarding the WPS includes. Why are the CCG's actions more aggressive and now riskier towards our personnel and ships? For the first time, they fired a water cannon at a PCG ship. Does Beijing think we did not comply with that agreement prompting these aggressive acts? What if someone got hurt, or seven died from that powerful water cannon? If it can bend steel what more a person?

Congress will summon the officials of the previous administration to shed light on that "gentleman's agreement". They can’t seem to get their stories straight. Some say there is an agreement, some say there isn’t any. So they have to be summoned and have them explain, if they have anything to explain.

America and Australia immediately condemned Beijing's latest bullying. But the question is when will words be followed by actions? The personnel of PCG BRP Bagacay and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources BRP Datu Bankaw stood their ground and continued the mission even as attempts to block and prevent them from reaching Panatag Shoal were carried out. But the day may come when we may need the help of our allies.

Balikatan 2024 is currently taking place at WPS. People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships have been shadowing the navies of the Philippines and the US. I would like to see them use water cannons on them.