By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Belying the “weak” image painted on him by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday (28 March 2024) minced no words when he declared that Filipinos will not yield to China’s “open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks.”
Marcos Jr. made the statement on the heels of the March 23 attack by China Coast Guard (CCG) against a Philippine vessel which was enroute to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission.
Three Philippine Navy personnel were reportedly injured due to the incident.
On the same day, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) also reported that a team of Filipino scientists and researchers was “harassed” by a Chinese helicopter, resulting in injuries of some members of the team.
“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. Filipinos do not yield,” the President stressed in a statement.
“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 added.
Apparently emboldened by the outpouring of international support, Marcos Jr. revealed that he has been in “constant communication” with representatives of allies, partners, and friends in the international community.
“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. I have given them our requirements and we have been assured that they will be addressed,” Marcos Jr. further bared.
The President also said that he has given directives to the leaders of the Philippine national security and defense agencies who “made their considered recommendations” after exhaustive consultations.
(el Amigo/MNM)
