(Eagle News)–“Filipinos do not yield.”
President Bongbong Marcos issued the statement after another Philippine vessel on a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal figured in an incident with the Chinese Coast Guard, leaving at least three Philippine Navy personnel injured and the Philippine vessel damaged.
The Philippine government said two vessels of the China Coast Guard water-cannoned the Unaizah May 4 (UM4) which carried the Navy personnel over the weekend.
The UM4 was also carrying supplies for the Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre at the Shoal when the incident happened.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the UM4 sustained heavy damage, but the rotation and resupply were successful.
“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,” the President said.
He said over the course of the past days, he met with and spoke to the country’s National Security and Defense leadership.
“They have made their considered recommendations and, through exhaustive consultations, I have given them my directives,” he said.
Over the succeeding weeks, he said “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.”
““I have also been in constant communication with representatives of relevant allies, partners, and friends in the international community,” he said.
According to the President, they ” have offered help to 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.”