‘Filipinos do not yield’: Marcos eyes countermeasures vs. China’s violent behavior

President Marcos on Thursday said the Philippines would not be cowed into silence and asserted the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea amid China’s latest threats.

“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience,” the President said in a statement.

“Filipinos do not yield,” he added.

The President affirmed the government’s stance and announced plans to implement a robust response against such provocations.

“Over the succeeding weeks, there shall be implemented by the relevant national government agencies and instrumentalities a response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia,” he said.

The Chief Executive made the announcement after his recent meetings with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro.

The recent altercation involving three navy personnel aboard the Unaizah May 4 (UM4), which sustained injuries after being targeted by water cannons from Chinese vessels, highlights escalating tensions.

Despite damage to the UM4, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed the successful completion of the rotation and resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at the Ayungin Shoal.

Additionally, President Marcos maintained ongoing dialogue with international partners, who have offered assistance to uphold Philippine sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“I have also been in constant communication with representatives of relevant allies, partners, and friends in the international community,” the President said.

“They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our Sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.

President Marcos is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida this April 11 in Washington, DC. The West Philippine Sea issue will be discussed, among other topics of mutual concern for all parties.

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