THE Philippines is determined to defend its territory against foreign intrusion, the National Maritime Council said as it expressed support for the declaration of President Marcos Jr. that the country’s security institutions would continue to assert its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
“We stand resolute against any foreign intrusion into our maritime zones and will never cease upholding our rights and honoring our duties under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Philippines, while committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and proper diplomatic approaches, will never waver in protecting its national territory and maritime domain,” NMC said in a statement Saturday.
The President last Thursday said the Philippines cannot physically expel China’s “monster ship” from Philippine waters, given the country cannot match the size and strength of China’s fleet. But, he also said, the Philippines will continue to defend its territory and rights in the exclusive economic zone.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that China Coast Guard vessel CCG-5901, or “monster ship,” has returned to waters near Scarborough Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal.
China has been claiming almost the entire South China Sea in conflict with the claim of the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
