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Advocates Philippines
PBBM Holds Command Conference To Address China's Aggressive Actions In Ayungin Shoal
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has convened a high-level command conference to formulate a comprehensive response to China's recent aggressive maneuvers and illegal use of water cannons against Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels in Ayungin Shoal on Saturday.
During a distribution of government aid to flood victims in Malolos City, Bulacan, President Marcos stated that a command conference will take place following the change of command in the Philippine Army. The conference aims to strategize on how the Philippines will address China's actions in the disputed waters.
The incident in Ayungin Shoal involved PCG vessels escorting indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and other provisions to military troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre.
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. He highlighted that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has already sent a note verbale to the Chinese Ambassador to express the country's position on the matter.
While refusing to discuss operational details of the incident, President Marcos stressed the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in resolving the situation.
The President acknowledged that communication with China remains essential, despite the Philippines' firm stance on territorial rights. He expressed the need to reach a conclusion on the matter.
In 2016, the Philippines secured a victory in its arbitration case against China, reinforcing its rights in the contested waters.
Regarding the incident in Ayungin Shoal, there were no reported casualties. However, President Marcos underscored that such actions by China could result in an insufficient supply of resources for the troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre, warranting immediate attention from the government.
Asked about his recent meeting with former President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang, President Marcos disclosed that they discussed matters raised during Duterte's previous visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also mentioned that certain confidential issues were discussed during their meeting.
During a distribution of government aid to flood victims in Malolos City, Bulacan, President Marcos stated that a command conference will take place following the change of command in the Philippine Army. The conference aims to strategize on how the Philippines will address China's actions in the disputed waters.
The incident in Ayungin Shoal involved PCG vessels escorting indigenous boats chartered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and other provisions to military troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre.
President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to assert its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. He highlighted that Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has already sent a note verbale to the Chinese Ambassador to express the country's position on the matter.
While refusing to discuss operational details of the incident, President Marcos stressed the importance of adhering to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), in resolving the situation.
The President acknowledged that communication with China remains essential, despite the Philippines' firm stance on territorial rights. He expressed the need to reach a conclusion on the matter.
In 2016, the Philippines secured a victory in its arbitration case against China, reinforcing its rights in the contested waters.
Regarding the incident in Ayungin Shoal, there were no reported casualties. However, President Marcos underscored that such actions by China could result in an insufficient supply of resources for the troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre, warranting immediate attention from the government.
Asked about his recent meeting with former President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang, President Marcos disclosed that they discussed matters raised during Duterte's previous visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also mentioned that certain confidential issues were discussed during their meeting.
Aug 7, 2023
