The groups Akbayan and Atin Ito renewed their call on China to stop its alleged unjust intrusion and environmental destruction in the West Philippine Sea, including the Scarborough or Panatag Shoal.
Earlier today, the groups held a radio challenge in front of the Chinese Consulate in Makati City as a symbolic protest.
They condemned Beijing’s claim that the shoal is part of its so-called “nature reserve.” According to the groups, this move is a clear attempt by China to designate the area as its own “reserve” for exploitation and control — a blatant violation of international law and Philippine sovereignty.
Akbayan President and Atin Ito Convenor Rafaela David said such tactics will no longer work, stressing that China continues to destroy marine ecosystems and harass Filipino fisherfolk in the area.
“They cannot hide their malevolent intent in the guise of environmental protection. You cannot claim to be protecting marine life while destroying our marine resources and harassing Filipino fisherfolk. The hypocrisy is staggering,” said David.
She added that China’s illegal activities pose a threat not only to the lives of Filipinos but also to the Chinese themselves, as their continued destruction of marine life and natural resources endangers the shared environment of the region.
(PHOTO COURTESY: AKBAYAN PARTYLIST)
