No “Monster” ship can scare us -Hontiveros
Mike Manalaysay January 13, 2025 at 05:23 PM
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has criticized China for the return of its “Monster” ship in Zambales, accusing Beijing of causing further instability in the region.
She said China is “not starting the year right,” choosing to create more disturbance instead of fostering peace.
“As I insisted before, Malacañang should start filing new cases before an international court. Beijing’s ships will only keep coming back if we do not take appropriate measures,” Hontiveros said.
She emphasized the importance of joint efforts with other nations, adding, “In the meantime, we must work on strengthening alliances with like-minded nations whose Coast Guards can patrol with ours. Together, let us show China that no ‘Monster’ ship can scare us.”
China’s largest Coast Guard vessel, dubbed “The Monster,” has returned to the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.
According to PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, China redeployed the 12,000-ton CCG 5901 on Saturday after the smaller CCG ship had been “gradually pushed away” from Zambales by the BRP Teresa Magbanua. By Sunday, the “Monster” was positioned 176 kilometers off the Zambales coastline.
📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB