Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go urged the Philippine government to continue asserting the Philippines’ interests in light of the recent incident in the Ayungin Shoal involving the Chinese Coast Guard.

“Ang sa Pilipinas ay para sa Pilipinas,” said Senator Go, adding that Ayungin Shoal is an integral part of the country. “Ipaglalaban natin ang ating karapatan sa bawat parte ng ating bayan sa tama at mapayapang paraan.”

“I urge our government to continue asserting our national interest in light of the recent incident in Ayungin Shoal, an integral part of the Philippines,” he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte expressed grave concern over the recent incident in Ayungin Shoal during his intervention at the ASEAN-China Special Summit to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Dialogue Relations.

The Chief Executive, in a video conference, further called on everyone to exercise self-restraint and avoid the escalation of tensions.

This call is similarly shared by Senator Go as he pointed out the incident in Ayungin Shoal as a welcome opportunity for all stakeholders, whom he refers as “responsible members of the international community,” to abide by their commitments and responsibilities under international law.

“We are all responsible members of the international community. And I urge all stakeholders to exercise restraint and abide by their commitments and responsibilities under international law,” he said.

“Pagkakataon ito na maipamalas ng lahat ng bansa rehiyon sa peaceful settlement of disputes,” Go underscored.