President Bongbong Marcos reiterated that the Philippines is committed to peacefully resolving issues in the West Philippine Sea amid the latest aggression encountered by Filipino soldiers.
Marcos made the remarks after he visited the troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan.
“We are not in the business to instigate wars—our great ambition is to provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino. This is the drum beat—this is the principle that we live by, that we march by,” said Marcos in his speech.
The Chief Executive added that the Philippines refuses 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 would invite danger or harm to lives and livelihood,” he added.
“And that is why, in defending the nation, we stay true to our Filipino nature that we would like to settle all these issues peacefully,” Marcos continued.
On June 17, the Chinese Coast Guard blocked and endangered Philippine troops during a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
The incident caused one of the soldiers to lose his finger during the confrontation.
“And in the performance of our duties, we will not resort to the use of force or intimidation, or deliberately inflict injury or harm to anyone,” he said.
Marcos, however, made it clear that being silent and choosing peace does not mean accepting the behavior of other countries.
“But at the same time, we stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence,” he ended.
