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Romualdez slams China order to detain foreign ‘trespassers’ in WPS
House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated that the House of Representatives will not tolerate the arrest of Filipinos within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by Chinese authorities.
This statement follows China's announcement of a new regulation empowering its coast guard to detain foreigners trespassing in the South China Sea, set to take effect in June.
Romualdez condemned China's regulation as an aggressive and blatant escalation of tensions, asserting it flagrantly violates international law and established norms.
He emphasized that the Philippines will fiercely defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety and rights of its citizens and fishermen.
Romualdez urged China to respect international rulings and act as a responsible member of the global community, rather than imposing its laws and bullying other nations.
Under China's new regulation, foreigners suspected of illegally passing China's borders can be held for up to 60 days.
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See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya dismissed China's announcement of arresting and detaining trespassers in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as a mere "scare tactic" and urged Filipinos to continue their activities there.
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The Philippines, through Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, declared it does not recognize China's new maritime rule allowing its coast guard to detain foreigners in disputed waters.
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China's Coast Guard will be empowered to detain foreigners suspected of "illegally crossing" its borders in the South China Sea for up to 60 days without trial, starting June 15.
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Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. strongly condemned China's new regulation in the South China Sea, calling it a "roguish and irresponsible threat" and a "provocation."
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared China's new order allowing the detention of foreign nationals in the South China Sea as "completely unacceptable" to the Philippines.
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