On 26 December, China’s Embassy in Manila publicized an incident involving a People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel that allegedly provided food and water to a Filipino fisherman, claiming coordination with Philippine authorities.

Framed as humanitarian assistance, the narrative was clearly intended to portray China as a benign presence in waters where it has no legal standing, according to civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia.

“This was never just about aid. It was about narrative control—using a single act to dilute a long pattern of harassment, coercion, and intrusion,” Goitia said.

The Philippine Coast Guard, through Commodore Jay Tarriela, set the record straight, saying there was no prior notice from the People’s Liberation Army Navy regarding the fisherman’s location or condition.

Contrary to claims that the fisherman had been adrift for three days, authorities said he was safely moored to a payao and recovered in under 24 hours.

Most critically, the incident occurred within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone off Zambales, where the People’s Liberation Army Navy has no legitimate basis to operate.

“These facts matter,” Goitia said. “Without jurisdiction, presence becomes intrusion, no matter how it is packaged.”

According to Goitia, the Philippines does not reject humanitarian acts, but firmly rejects attempts to convert compassion into consent for unlawful presence.

Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award, the country’s maritime rights are settled.

Acknowledging assistance does not legitimize unauthorized operations, nor does it erase a documented pattern of coercive behavior in the West Philippine Sea.

“We can recognize humanity without surrendering legality,” Goitia said. “Kindness does not cancel sovereignty.”

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine response has been deliberate and consistent.

“Rather than trading propaganda, authorities have answered with facts, timelines, coordinates, and law. This approach reflects leadership that understands sovereignty is defended not through theatrics, but through discipline, restraint, and fidelity to international law,” Goitia said.

“Strength is shown not by volume, but by clarity. Under President Marcos, the country has chosen to stand firm, calm, lawful, and unyielding. When your position rests on law and evidence, you do not need to shout. You present the record and let it stand.”

A line that will hold

In the West Philippine Sea, this is no longer merely a contest of vessels. It is a contest between truth and manipulation. On that ground, the Philippines must remain clear-eyed, united, and firm.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., that line has been drawn clearly. The country has chosen to defend its rights with calm resolve, anchored in law, evidence, and national dignity.

“Our waters are not props,” Goitia concluded. “They are part of the Republic. And they will be defended as such.”

Goitia is the chairman emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement—organizations that advocate for truth, stability, and the dignity of the Filipino people.