By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
The Philippines will not alter its position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite reports of increased Chinese presence in the area, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said on Monday, stressing that any shift would be “to the great detriment of our national interest.”
“To change our stance will be [to the] great detriment of our national interest. That is something nobody can do under our Constitution and our moral obligation. Obligasyon natin sa taumbayan at hindi pwedeng magpalit,” Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of the National Heroes Day rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
The Defense chief said the government’s firm stance echoes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s assurance that the country would never compromise sovereignty, consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Sumusuporta ang maraming bansa kasi pareho ang interest—international law at UNCLOS,” he said, confirming that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has observed a heightened Chinese presence not only in Ayungin Shoal but also in other parts of the WPS, though he noted such movements are not unusual.
Teodoro also warned against disinformation, citing false claims such as the supposed towing of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin and online posts suggesting that Batanes is part of China.
“Walang kumpirmasyon at mag-ingat tayo sa fake news—marami talagang fake news,” he said.
Asked about the safety of Filipino troops stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, Teodoro said they remain secure but on constant alert, “At this time, wala po kaming nakikita, but of course laging listo. Hindi mo alam eh kung ano ang nasa isip nung mga ‘yan.”
The Philippines has consistently asserted its sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal and the broader WPS, anchored on the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. (PNA)
