The National Maritime Council (NMC) expressed its full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s firm commitment to assert and defend the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The NMC said the Philippines remained resolute against any intrusion, foreign or domestic, and will not stop protecting its national territory in accordance with international law.
The NMC statement over the weekend was made following the President’s remark reaffirming the country’s resolve to safeguard its sovereign rights in the disputed waters despite the ongoing illegal presence and intrusion of Chinese naval and coast guard vessels.
Several Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships, including its largest vessel dubbed as ‘The Monster,’ were in and out of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off western Luzon waters for a month now.
Three Chinese naval ships were also spotted last Tuesday near Scarborough shoal, one of which headed south to the Sulu sea where two other Chinese ships joined it, according to Rear Admiral Roy Trinidad.
“We stand resolute against any foreign intrusion into our maritime zones and will never cease upholding our rights and honoring our duties under international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” the NMC said.
“The Philippines, while committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and proper diplomatic approaches, will never waver in protecting its national territory and maritime domain,” it added.
On Thursday, President Marcos vowed that Philippine ships would maintain their presence in the WPS, regardless of China’s aggressive actions, including ramming Philippine vessels, using water cannons, lasers, or blocking ships.
“We will always be there protecting our territory. We will always be there making sure our fishermen are able to exercise their sovereign rights,” the President said during a press briefing held in Malacañang.
Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was closely monitoring various CCG vessels, including the ‘monster chip (CCG-5901), which was first spotted last January 4, 2025. BRP Teresa Magbanua is currently watching the activities of CCG vessels in the Zambales coast.