President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to a peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), emphasizing restraint and diplomacy amid continued tensions with China.
Speaking at the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Mr. Marcos reiterated that the country would not deploy Navy warships in response to recent harassment incidents involving Chinese vessels.
His remarks come days after Chinese ships interfered with Philippine supply efforts to Ayungin Shoal, a flashpoint in the disputed waters.
Despite the provocations, the Commander-in-Chief maintained that the Philippines would uphold its rights without resorting to aggressive measures.
President Marcos also highlighted the broader regional implications of the WPS dispute, calling for international cooperation to maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
The NPOC and RPOCs, reorganized under Executive Order No. 773, s. 2009, provide a framework for coordinating peace and order initiatives across the country.
The councils play a key role in addressing internal security and public safety concerns, including maritime disputes.
As tensions persist, the Philippines continues to balance its defense of territorial integrity with calls for adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
