PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines will continue to conduct maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea despite the lingering presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed territory.
He made the statement as he assured the public that the government will continue to defend the countrys interests and will not abandon its claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Our principled position in the West Philippine Sea remains. I have said it before and I will say it again, our agencies have been directed to do what they must and should to protect and defend our nations interest.
Our vessels will continue to patrol relevant areas to firmly assert what is ours, Duterte said in a statement read by his spokesman Harry Roque Jr. on Tuesday.
While he said that the Philippines will not waver in its commitment to defend the West Philippine Sea amid Chinese incursions, Duterte also said the government must do what it can to resolve the maritime dispute peacefully.
We must be willing to do what we can as responsible members of the international community to resolve disputes peacefully.
Let us fully utilize the Bilateral Consultation Mechanisms or BCM and other diplomatic venues to engage China, Duterte added.
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines will continue to conduct maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea despite the lingering presence of Chinese vessels in the disputed territory. He made the statement as he assured the public that the government…
