President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stood firm that the Philippine government will not surrender the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and will not be deterred by China’s threats amid its recent intimidation, saying he will implement “a response and countermeasure package” against them.
In a statement, President Marcos said he has met his security and defense officials and submitted the relevant “requirements” to international allies who have expressed their support to the Philippine government against China.
“Over the succeeding weeks, there shall be implemented by the relevant national government agencies and instrumentalities a response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia,” President Marcos said.
“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission or subservience. Filipinos do not yield,” the chief executive added.
At least three navy personnel aboard the Unaizah May 4 (UM4) were injured after the two vessels of the China Coast Guard water cannoned their vessel carrying supplies for the Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal over the weekend.
The UM4 was heavily damaged after the incident, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Despite the attack, the AFP said the rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the Filipino troops was successful.
President Marcos said he has already given his directives to his security and defense officials.
“Over the course of these past days, I have met with and spoken to our country’s National Security and Defense leadership. They have made their considered recommendations and, through exhaustive consultations, I have given them my directives,” President Marcos said.
“I have also been in constant communication with representatives of relevant allies, partners, and friends in the international community. They have offered help to us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our Sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-pacific,” he added. | PND