Militant groups on Wednesday expressed full support for lawmakers calling on the government to take stronger action against what they described as China’s continued bullying in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement voiced its position as members took to the streets to protest actions by Chinese officials against Philippine authorities asserting the country’s claims in the disputed waters.

The protest came as lawmakers led by House Deputy Minority Leader and Makabayang Liberal Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima filed a resolution urging the government to adopt tougher measures against repeated attacks from the Chinese Embassy targeting Philippine officials.

In filing House Resolution No. 680, De Lima and her colleagues called on the Executive Branch, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs, to take a firmer diplomatic stance.

The resolution proposed measures such as filing formal diplomatic protests, summoning the Chinese ambassador, and declaring persona non grata any embassy spokesperson or foreign diplomat found to have engaged in improper conduct. The measures aim to uphold diplomatic norms, the principle of non-interference, and Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“China’s bullying in the West Philippine Sea is not only a violation of international law, but a direct act of intimidation against the Filipino people,” said Giselle L. Albano, convenor and spokesperson of FDNY.

“If this is allowed to continue, such behavior will become normalized, affecting not only our soldiers and fishermen, but ordinary citizens as well.”

Albano said it is the duty of the Philippine government to defend the truth, national sovereignty, and national interest amid what she described as China’s aggressive conduct.

“We support government officials who speak out and stand firm for the West Philippine Sea. Defending sovereignty is not optional; it is an obligation,” she added.

“As our Representatives in the Congress, sila ang boses natin sa Congress upang i-assert ang ating karapatan at ipagtanggol ang kapwa natin Pilipino mula sa pambubully ng China,” the group said.

One rally participant who identified herself as Azil from Tondo, Manila, said they fully support De Lima and senators who have condemned the continued actions of Chinese diplomats against Philippine officials, including calls to declare them persona non grata.

The group, along with members of various patriotic organizations and non-government groups, also held a protest in front of the Chinese Embassy to denounce what they described as China’s continued intimidation and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.

They condemned the use of water cannons, harassment and other coercive acts against Filipino soldiers and fishermen, which they said violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award, particularly within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Among those who expressed support for the protest were organizations led by Jose Antonio Goitia, chairman emeritus of the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas and the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement.