INIUTOS na ng Department of National Defense (DND) sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang pagsisiyasat sa umano’y pangha-harass ng China sa television crew ng mga Pilipino sa West Philippine Sea.
Ayon kay DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, partikular na pinakikilos ang Armed Forces Western Command upang alamin ang lahat ng impormasyon patungkol sa insidente.
“The Defense Department has directed the AFP through its Western Command to investigate, gather, and validate all the relevant facts on the incident,” ayon kay Andolong.
Sinabi nito na ang magiging resulta ng imbestigasyon ay gagamitin upang matukoy ang mga naangkop na hakbang sa pamamagitan ng National Task Force West Philippines.
“We are concerned for the safety of anyone — unarmed civilians — at sea. As such, we view the report with concern,” dagdag ni Andolong.
Batay sa paunang ulat, isang bangka na may lulang crew ng ABS-CBN ang hinabol umano ng Chinese vessels patungkong Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), o tinatayang 105 nautical miles mula sa Palawan at bahagi pa rin ng exclusive economic zone ng Pilipinas.
Aminado naman ni Major General Edgard Arevalo, tagapagsalita ng AFP, na nababahala rin ang militar sa insidente.
“The AFP expresses concern over the report of an alleged harassment by Chinese PLA Navy vessels and a Chinese Coast Guard vessel as reported by a team of journalist on board a watercraft within our EEZ,” ani Arevalo.
Humingi na ang AFP ng kopya ng raw video footages o mga larawan ng insidente mula sa mamamahayag.
Kasabay nito, umapela si Arevalo sa mga mamamahayag na maging maingat sa pagganap ng kanilang trabaho.
“We have accommodated members of media in our ships and aircraft to do their coverage so they can be protected while in the practice of their profession,” dagdag nito.
“Amidst the situation, the AFP reiterates its commitment to follow the dictates of the Constitution to protect the people and secure our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” pahayag pa ni Arevalo.