Kinondena ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang kamakailang pananalakay ng China Coast Guard at Chinese Maritime Militia sa West Philippine Sea at nangakong ipagtatanggol ang soberanya at mga karapatan ng Pilipinas.

“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,” pahayag niya sa social media.

“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.”

Ipinaalala rin ni Marcos matibay na international status ng Ayungin Shoal.

“Ayungin Shoal is within our Exclusive Economic Zone; any foreign claim of sovereignty over it is baseless and absolutely contrary to international law.” 

Pagpapatuloy niya, “Bajo de Masinloc is sovereign Philippine territory and an integral part of our archipelago. No one but the Philippines has a legitimate right or legal basis to operate anywhere in the West Philippine Sea.”

Tinutukoy din ng Pangulo ang mga aksyon ng China bilang isang tahasang paglabag sa international law. 

“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.”

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

Photo credit: Facebook/opgovph