Manila, Philippines – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. reiterated his firm stance regarding the escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, driven by the illegal activities and presence of Chinese vessels.
The Secretary noted that Beijing continues to disregard international laws, such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.
Meanwhile, former Defense Chief Norberto Gonzales mentioned that a former Philippine envoy to China had previously articulated China’s position regarding its territorial claims.
Senator Kiko Pangilinan filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the alleged agreement concerning Ayungin Shoal.
This move follows the July 20 incident in which China Coast Guard personnel struck military troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal with a wooden baton.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that it respects the Senate’s mandate to conduct its own investigation as the agency expressed willingness to participate in the hearing.
The DFA also acknowledges the opportunity to clarify the scope of the said provisional understanding in the proper forum, in coordination with defense and security agencies.
The DFA and the Department of National Defense (DND) had previously stated that the reinforcement mission to the BRP Sierra Madre was unrelated to the agreement regarding the RORE (rotational resupply mission) at Ayungin Shoal.
Meanwhile, in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared that the Philippines is a friend to the entire community of nations.
This was accompanied by the President’s bold statement that Filipinos will not yield when it comes to territorial and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasized that the President’s statement is a significant matter for the country’s Armed forces.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News