Marcos: Philippines to defend its sovereign rights in West Philippine Sea

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said China’s aggressive actions against Filipino vessels further steeled the country’s determination to defend and protect the nation’s jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The aggression and provocations perpetrated by the China Coast Guard and their Chinese Maritime Militia against our vessels and personnel over the weekend have only further steeled our determination to defend and protect our nation’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,” Marcos said in a statement posted in his social media accounts late Sunday evening.

On Sunday, China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels water-cannoned Philippine boats and their escorts that were on a regular rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the BRP Sierra Made (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal.

“I have been in constant communication with our national security and defense leadership, and have directed our uniformed services to conduct their missions with the utmost regard for the safety of our personnel, yet proceed with a mission-oriented mindset,” the President said.

He reiterated that Ayungin Shoal is within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone and that “any foreign claim of sovereignty over it is baseless and absolutely contrary to international law.”

“Bajo de Masinloc is sovereign Philippine territory and an integral part of our archipelago,” he said. “No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea. The illegal presence in our waters and dangerous actions against our citizens is an outright and blatant violation of international law and the rules-based international order.”

Marcos also thanked the country’s armed forces and assured them of the government’s continued support.

“To our gallant service members, be assured of our utmost gratitude and fullest support. We remain undeterred,” he said.