In this year’s National Heroes Day, Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee reiterated his call to strengthen resolve, defense and deterrence in protecting the country’s territory as he underscored the plight of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) who continuously suffer from China’s aggressions.

According to Lee, the recent incident of China Coast Guard vessels ramming and water cannoning BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) near Escoda Shoal has become a recurring bout of our countrymen.

“Sa paggunita natin sa Araw ng mga Bayani, hindi sapat na inaalala lang natin ang kanilang mga dakilang ambag sa bansa, kundi dapat isinasabuhay din natin ang diwa ng kanilang pagmamahal at pagtatanggol sa ating bayan mula sa pang-aapi ng mga dayuhan,” he said.

“Saludo tayo sa araw-araw na kabayanihan ng mga sundalo at mga kababayan natin na hindi natitinag sa pagpapatrolya sa ating teritoryo sa WPS at sa paghahatid ng mga kinakailangang ayuda para sa mga kababayan nating apektado ang kabuhayan dahil sa paulit-ulit na panggigipit ng China,” he added.

The Bicolano lawmaker has filed House Resolution No. 1957 urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to respond to the diplomatic protest filed by China against the Philippines, assert accountability and damages in ramming our Coast Guard vessels, and designating a Spokesperson representing our government on the WPS dispute to ensure the exhaustion of diplomatic solutions for the benefit of Filipino fishermen without compromising the country’s territory.

“Kung agrisibo sila, dapat mas agrisibo tayo sa paninindigan. Hindi pwedeng sila na ang nang-aagrabyado at nang-aagaw sa ating teritoryo, sila pa itong may ganang magprotesta laban sa atin at magpakalat pa ng kasinungalingan! Hindi ito katanggap-tanggap!” Lee stated.

A staunch agriculture advocate, Lee is deeply concerned with the effect of the aggressions on Filipino fisherfolk whom he considers as “food security soldiers”.

“Bukod sa kaligtasan ng ating mga sundalo at unipormadong hanay, matagal nang naiipit sa tensyon sa WPS ang kabuhayan at buhay ng ating mga mangingisda na hindi dapat ipagwalang-bahala. Apektado nito ang kita ng libo-libong pamilyang Pilipino, pati na ang inaasam nating food security,” the solon from Bicol remarked.

Earlier, Lee also filed House Bill No. 9011 or the “Fishing Shelters and Ports Act” which aims to establish fishing shelters and ports in nine occupied maritime features in the WPS and Philippine Rise.

The said structures to be established in the islands of Lawak, Kota, Likas, Pag-asa, Parola, Panata, Patag, Rizal Reef, and Ayungin Shoal will serve as safe spots for fishermen to take refuge from foreign militia or unforeseen circumstances, a place where they can rest, store gears and supplies, as well as access communication devices.

 “Hindi nag-alay ng buhay ang ating mga bayani para ipamana ang kalayaan at mangibabaw ang ating pambansang dangal para lang tumupi at yumuko tayo sa pang-aagaw sa ating teritoryo ngayon. Tibayan pa natin ang ating paninindigan at pagtatanggol sa ating soberanya,” Lee said.

“Tuloy lang tayo sa ating mga resupply missions. Sa lalong madaling panahon, ang mga estruktura sa WPS, gawin na natin! Dahil malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw: WPS, Atin Ito!” he stressed.