Marcos says Phl doesn't want a fight in WPS, vows protection of sovereignty

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated that the Philippines “stands ready” to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the West Philippine Sea amid ongoing disputes and continued harassment from Chinese vessels.

In the second episode of his podcast aired on Saturday, Marcos emphasized that while the Philippines does not seek conflict in the disputed waters, it will not tolerate aggression, especially against Filipino fishermen.

“Hindi naman tayo nakikipag-away. Pero huwag niyong binabangga 'yung mga mangingisda, hindi ba? Huwag niyo kaming hinaharang dun sa teritoryo namin. Iyon ipaglalaban talaga namin 'yan,” Marcos said.

The President issued stern warnings against intruders, saying that the Philippine government will continue protecting Filipino fishermen from harassment within Philippine waters.

“Because kung ibigay mo 'yan, like they say: You give them an inch, they will take a mile. So you cannot allow it even the one inch,” he said.

He further stressed, “We did not yield. We continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic. We continue to defend the territory of the Republic. And we continue to protect and defend the people of the Republic.”

Marcos’ remarks came after yet another incident of Chinese harassment in Philippine waters. On Friday, 20 June, the China Coast Guard targeted Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels distributing supplies to Filipino fishermen in Panatag Shoal.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the BFAR vessels BRP Datu Tamblot, BRP Datu Taradapit, BRP Datu Bankaya, and BRP Datu Daya were on a mission to distribute fuel subsidies to over 20 local fishing boats when a China Coast Guard vessel approached within 600 yards, 15.6 nautical miles southwest of Panatag Shoal, and fired a water cannon at one of the Filipino vessels.

PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said they monitored the presence of six China Coast Guard ships, two People’s Liberation Army Navy warships, and multiple Chinese maritime militia vessels throughout the mission.

“All of which aimed to obstruct BFAR’s efforts to provide support and subsidies to Filipino fishermen,” Tarriela said.

Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Despite the aggressive actions of the Chinese vessels, the BFAR ships avoided significant damage and carried on with their mission to deliver fuel subsidies to the fishing community.

Tarriela emphasized that the presence of BFAR and PCG vessels is lawful under the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines’ rights over its exclusive economic zone.

For months, Philippine authorities have reported repeated harassment by Chinese vessels, including dangerous boat ramming maneuvers, water cannon attacks, and devices aimed at harming the auditory senses of Filipino personnel.

The Philippines has since filed multiple diplomatic protests over these acts, reaffirming its commitment to uphold its territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea.