President Marcos confers the Order of Lapu-Lapu on 80 soldiers, including Seaman First Class Jeffrey Facundo who lost a finger during a recent encounter with the Chinese Coast Guard in Ayungin Shoal, at the Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan yesterday. Also present are Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo and AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
“We refuse to play by the rules that force us to choose sides in a great power competition. No government that truly exists in the service of the people will invite danger or harm to lives and livelihood,” he added.While some sectors regard the June 17 incident as an armed attack, Marcos reiterated that Filipinos would stay true to their nature and would settle all issues peacefully. However, he stressed that the Philippines would never allow itself to be suppressed or oppressed by anyone.
The AFP has criticized China’s “illegal presence and activities” within the Philippines’ jurisdiction, saying the continued hostile behavior of the CCG is what escalates tensions in the area. The encounter near Ayungin was the latest run-in between the Philippines and China that stemmed from their longstanding dispute over the WPS, the part of the South China Sea that is within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf.
China has refused to recognize the arbitral ruling and has resorted to aggressive measures to assert its claim, including water cannon attacks and dangerous maneuvers to stop Philippine resupply missions bound for Ayungin Shoal. Despite the row, Marcos said the latest resupply operation in Ayungin was “mission accomplished,” praising the WESCOM troops for performing the task “bravely without flinching, without hesitation.
Joined by Brawner and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the President praised the troops for their unwavering commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty despite the dangers they face. Katipunan ng mga Kilusang Artisanong Mangingisda sa Pilipinas leader Roberto Ballon asked concerned government officials to immediately act on the presence of the Chinese warships.
He said that the two straits are considered international bodies of water under the UNCLOS, giving the right of transit passage to vessels of all nations. We are worried that our fishermen will be the next to suffer in crossing the sea or catching fish resources from our own waters,” he noted.Newly opened KMC Sky Club poised to complement Clark Freeport Zone’s businesses, talent poolSM Malls Online is your new one-stop shop for all the best deals
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