President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday declared that Philippine vessels will not retreat in the West Philippine Sea, following another tense encounter with a Chinese ship that fired a water cannon at the BRP Suluan.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel was on a mission to assist Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc when it was targeted. PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said the ship evaded damage thanks to the crew’s seamanship skills. The operation was part of the “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” initiative, with the BRP Teresa Magbanua and MV Pamamalakaya also deployed.
“We have never instructed any of our vessels to back out. Never, never,” Marcos said in a press briefing. “In this government, we will not back out. Filipinos are brave.”
Marcos commended uniformed personnel for fulfilling their duty to defend the country, stressing that the Philippines will maintain its presence and protect its territorial rights despite any opposition.
“We will continue to defend our territory and exercise our sovereign rights as we have done in the past three years,” he said, adding that the Philippines seeks no confrontation but remains firm in safeguarding its sovereignty.
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions, following China’s protest against Marcos’ earlier remarks on the potential involvement of the Philippines in a US-China conflict over Taiwan. “Playing with fire? I was just stating facts,” the President said.
