In his first remarks on the June 17 incident, which saw the China Coast Guard (CCG) attacking a Philippine resupply mission bound for Ayungin Shoal, Marcos said history would show that Filipinos have never yielded to any foreign power, and they owe it to their forefathers to keep the freedoms they "fought, bled and died for."
But he maintained that the Philippines is a "responsible state" and would continue to exercise its freedoms and rights in support of its national interest, in accordance with international law.
"We are not in the business to instigate wars our ambition is to provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino. This is the drum beat, this is the principle we live by and that we march by," Marcos told members of the Palawan-based Armed Forces Western Command (WESCOM), the military unit that secures the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
"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.
While some sectors regard the June 17 incident as an armed attack, Marcos reiterated that Filipinos would stay true to their nature and would settle all issues peacefully. However, he stressed that the Philippines would never allow itself to be suppressed or oppressed by anyone.
"And in the performance of our duties, we will not resort to the use of force or intimidation, or deliberately inflict injury or harm to anyone," Marcos, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said. "But at the same time, we stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence." At least eight Philippine Navy sailors were hurt when the CCG rammed into a Filipino vessel tasked to deliver supplies to soldiers stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated, grounded ship that serves as a military installation in Ayungin Shoal.
Bu hikaye The Philippine Star dergisinin June 24, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Philippine Star dergisinin June 24, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Romualdez promises teachers higher pay, more benefits
Speaker Martin Romualdez assured the country's nearly one million public school teachers that the House of Representatives will pay more attention to their plight, particularly in terms of salaries and benefits, as well as additional classrooms and equipment.
BBM marks 2 national October celebrations
President Marcos has declared Oct.15 of every year as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day to increase awareness of and provide comprehensive support for affected families.
Phl condemns China attack of Vietnam fishermen
The Philippines on Friday denounced China's alleged assault of Vietnamese fishermen in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing are also locked in violent confrontations that have led to fears of armed conflict.
SC affirms RTC jurisdiction over wills probated abroad
The Supreme Court (SC) has clarified the jurisdiction of regional trial courts over wills validated in foreign countries, ruling that RTCs have the authority to handle reprobate proceedings involving foreign probated wills.
Phl hosting Int'l Conference on Women, Peace and Security
The Philippines will host the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security (ICWPS) later this month, which is expected to be attended by representatives from more than 54 countries from Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Asia Pacific.
Bong Go continues push for inclusive economic recovery
A day after filing his candidacy for the 2025 senatorial elections, Sen.
Marcos transfers Film Academy from DepEd to DTI
President Marcos has issued an order placing the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to further boost the country's film industry.
Crowd-sourcing data could help Philippines tackle deadly floods
Crowd-sourced data could help better predict the effects of the tropical storms and typhoons that regularly batter the Philippines and so save lives, disaster risk experts said.
DA: Expect lower rice prices this month
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said rice prices are expected to lower later this month, following the sharp slowdown in the September inflation rate due to the decline in food prices.
Gibo working with Jinggoy to amend espionage law
Amid concerns over possible spying activities in the country by Chinese nationals disguised as Filipinos, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.has committed to work with Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada in strengthening the country's anti-espionage law, which dates back to the US colonial era.
