The Philippines will not back down in protecting our sovereignty and the welfare of Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. This is his statement after the water cannon of the China Coast Guard harassed and used Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ships near Panatag Shoal.
In his podcast, Marcos said that the Philippines does not want trouble, but it is just fighting for its own territory. He said, “We are not fighting. But don't hurt our fishermen. Don't block our movement in our own territory.”
He added, if you give even a little, it is possible they will take it all. That is why we cannot neglect or give up even an inch of our ocean.
Marcos wanted his administration to be remembered as the protector of Philippine territory. “We did not surrender. We continue to protect sovereignty and the rights of every Filipino,” he said.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard report, there were six China Coast Guard vessels, two PLA warships, and several maritime militia vessels that blocked the BFAR's goal of distributing fuel subsidies to fishermen. One of the BFAR ships was bombed by a water cannon while at Panatag Shoal.
