BINASAG na ni Pangulong Duterte ang katahimikan sa nangyaring pagbangga ng isang Chinese vessel sa isang Pinoy fishing vessel kung saan iginiit niya na dapat ay hintayin muna ang resulta ng isasagawang imbestigasyon kaugnay ng insidente.
“In this matter of that incident na nagbanggaan ‘yung mga fishing boats. You read a lot about fumigation, anger, kung ano-ano na lang. You know, we are ruled — as a civilized nation and as members of the community — by the laws that govern whatever happened in the seas as we go along our business,” sabi ni Duterte sa kanyang talumpati sa 121st Philippine Navy Anniversary sa Sangley Point, Cavite City.
Binangga ng isang Chinese vessel ang Fishing Boat (FB) Gem-Ver sa Recto Bank hatinggabi ng Hunyo 9.
“There will be rules for a military confrontation. There will be rules for a mistaken identity attack. There is a rule for fishermen’s boats. There is a rule for an aircraft carrier bumping a banca boat, a fishing boat. Alam mo, with all the — ‘yung galit and one national officials, even urging sending the grey ships, warships doon sa China Sea. Alam mo, gusto ko ‘yan. Kung ako lang ang papiliin niyo, gusto ko ng action. But I am not in my boyhood age anymore,” ayon pa kay Duterte.