By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – The Philippines will not alter its position on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite reports of increased Chinese presence in the area, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said Monday, stressing that any shift would be “to the great detriment of our national interest.”
“To change our stance will be [to the] great detriment of our national interest. That is something nobody can do under our Constitution and our moral obligation,” Teodoro told reporters on the sidelines of the National Heroes Day rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
“Obligasyon natin sa taumbayan at hindi pwedeng magpalit (That is our obligation to the people and it cannot change),” he added.
Teodoro said the government’s firm stance echoes President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s assurance that the country would never compromise sovereignty, consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Sumusuporta ang maraming bansa kasi pareho ang interest — international law at UNCLOS (We are supported by many countries because we have the same interest, which is based on international law and UNCLOS),” he said.
The defense chief confirmed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has observed a heightened Chinese presence not only in Ayungin Shoal but also in other parts of the WPS, though he noted such movements are not unusual.
Teodoro also warned against disinformation, citing false claims such as the supposed towing of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin and online posts suggesting that Batanes is part of China.
“Walang kumpirmasyon at mag-ingat tayo sa fake news… marami talagang fake news (There is no confirmation, and we should be wary of fake news… there is a lot of it),” he said.
Asked about the safety of Filipino troops stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, Teodoro said they remain secure but on constant alert.
“At this time, wala po kaming nakikita, but of course laging listo. Hindi mo alam eh kung ano ang nasa isip nung mga ‘yan (As of now, we see no threat, but of course we are always vigilant. You never know what’s on their minds),” he said.
The Philippines has consistently asserted its sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal and the broader WPS, anchored on the 2016 Arbitral Award that invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea. (PNA)
