Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the Philippines will protect its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea but will avoid actions that could lead to war.
Teodoro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been clear that the government’s position is to act decisively to uphold sovereign rights despite any pressure to do otherwise.
“We do not want war or seek confrontation but we must do what we need to do in order to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights, calls of any sector to the contrary notwithstanding,” he said.
He explained that while the Philippines is not provoking conflict or planning to invade, it will respond to challenges to its territory.
He also pointed to China’s activities in the area as an issue that cannot be ignored and stressed the need to safeguard the country’s right to remain free, peaceful, and progressive within its recognized territory.
Teodoro assured that the Department of National Defense will support the President in this mission.
“Hindi po tayo nang-aaway o may balak na manakop ngunit sa kabila ng mga matitinding hamon sa ating Inang Bayan tayo ay nanumpa na ipagtanggol ito,” he said.
