By Brian Jules Campued
The Philippines will not resort to war, but will continue to push for a peaceful resolution in addressing the issues in the West Philippine Sea and exert all efforts to defend the country’s territory, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said.
In a speech during his visit to Camp General Artemio Ricarte, headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan on Sunday, President Marcos clarified that the “calm and peaceful disposition” of the government should not be mistaken as a sign of submission to foreign powers.
“We are not in the business to instigate wars — our great ambition is to provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino. This is the drum beat, this is the principle that we live by and that we march by,” Marcos said.
“We refuse to play by the rules that force us to choose sides in a great power competition. No government that truly exists in the service of the people will invite danger or harm to lives and livelihood,” he added.
The President’s visit came after the latest incident in Ayungin Shoal on June 17 where the China Coast Guard (CCG) rammed, boarded, damaged, and looted Philippine military boats, as well as brandished bladed weapons and threatened Filipino troops during a rotation and resupply mission. The incident also resulted in one Navy personnel losing a thumb.
The Commander-in-Chief also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi to 79 soldiers involved in the incident, while the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan was conferred to the injured Navy trooper.
“You demonstrated to the world that the Filipino spirit is one that is brave, determined, and yet is compassionate,” Marcos said.
He also commended the Western Command for exercising restraint amid intense provocation by the CCG, adding that he has “never been prouder of the brave women and men” of both the Wescom and the entire AFP.
Marcos, likewise, assured the military that the government will continue to provide their needs and look after their welfare, including their families, as he rallied them to continue defending the Philippines’ maritime domain and sovereign rights.
“So, on behalf of the Filipino nation, I make this great request to you: continue to fulfill your duty of defending the nation with integrity and respect as you have done so far,” the President said.
“We owe to our forefathers the duty to keep the freedoms that they fought, bled, and died for; and that we presently enjoy. Kailanman ay hindi tayo magpapasupil at magpapaapi kahit na kanino man,” he added. (with report from Bien Manalo/PTV News)
– avds
