China has no business telling the Philippines what we can and cannot do within our own waters. The arbitral award has categorically stated that the Chinese claim bounded by their so-called nine dash line according to their “historical right” has no basis in fact. Therefore, it is they who are encroaching and should desist and leave. We will continue to do what is necessary to protect our sovereign rights.
Director Arsenio R. Andolong
Spokesperson
Department of National Defense
(Press Release)