The Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement (FDNY), together with leaders and members of various patriotic organizations and non-government groups, held a protest in front of the Chinese Embassy in Makati City to condemn what they described as China’s continued intimidation and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
The group denounced the use of water cannons, harassment, and other coercive actions against Filipino soldiers and fishermen.
They said these constitute clear violations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award, particularly within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Among those who took part in and expressed support for the protest were organizations led by civic leader Jose Antonio Goitia, an advocate of Philippine sovereignty.
Goitia is Chairman Emeritus of the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement.
“China’s bullying in the West Philippine Sea is not only a violation of international law, but a direct act of intimidation against the Filipino people,” said Giselle L. Albano, convenor and spokesperson of FDNY.
“If this is allowed to continue, such behavior will become normalized, affecting not only our soldiers and fishermen, but ordinary citizens as well.”
Albano stressed that it is the duty of the Philippine government to defend the truth, national sovereignty, and the country’s interests in the face of China’s aggressive conduct.
“We support government officials who speak out and stand firm for the West Philippine Sea. Defending sovereignty is not optional; it is an obligation,” she added.
FDNY also criticized certain politicians, columnists, and individuals whom it accused of continuing to defend China despite documented incidents of harassment and intimidation against Filipinos in their own waters.
The group urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to stay united in defending the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights.
FDNY likewise expressed support for the government’s current position on the West Philippine Sea and called on officials to remain firm and principled in asserting the Philippines’ rights.
The protest concluded with chants rejecting China’s so-called “nine-dash line” claim and calling on Beijing to withdraw from areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
“We will not be silenced. The West Philippine Sea is ours. China is the bully, not the Philippines,” Albano said.
