Photo credit: PCO

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. affirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Philippines' maritime domain and sovereign rights during a visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (AFP-WESCOM) in Palawan.

Addressing troops, President Marcos emphasized the nation's stance on defending its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the face of recent Chinese provocations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Since assuming office, President Marcos reiterated, "We will do everything that we need to do to defend our territory, to defend our sovereignty, and to allow our citizens to exercise their sovereign rights within the EEZ." He praised WESCOM troops for their courage during recent confrontations in Ayungin Shoal, highlighting their crucial role in protecting Philippine sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go, as vice chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense, condemned the recent altercation between the Chinese Coast Guard and Philippine Navy. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and emphasized the importance of mutual respect and peaceful dispute resolution among sovereign states.

Senator Go urged China to cease its aggressive actions, stressing the need for deescalation to prevent further tensions in the region. He reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to defending its rightful claims and called for a diplomatic resolution to ongoing maritime disputes in accordance with international law.