Senator Dick Gordon denounced the reported abandonment of Filipino crewmen by the Chinese vessel that hit their boat in the West Philippine Sea, saying the crew of the Chinese boat committed acts of inhumanity in violation of international laws and treaties.
In separate statements, Gordon said the abandonment of the Filipino crew by the Chinese vessel that rammed their boat is a clear violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Both China and the Philippines are signatories to the treaty.
“I take umbrage at the Chinese crew’s act of leaving and abandoning the Filipino crew after their boat collided with the latter’s vessel and sank. They committed acts of inhumanity by leaving and abandoning people who are in peril of the sea and they should answer for it,” the seasoned legislator said.
“I take umbrage at the Chinese crew’s act.”
“I hope anybody in the West Philippine Sea or anywhere in the world would understand that there are responsibilities by all peoples for those who are in peril of the sea,” he veteran lawmaker added.
“There are responsibilities by all peoples for those who are in peril of the sea.”
The latest incident involving Philippine and Chinese vessels happened near Recto Bank on the night of June 9.
According to reports, the Philippine ship, F/B GIMVER1, was anchored when it was hit by the Chinese vessel, endangering the lives of 22 Filipino fishermen.
Instead of rescuing the Filipino crew, the Chinese vessel immediately left the scene, leaving the 22 fishermen at the mercy of the elements.
They were later rescued by a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the area.