By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday asserted that respect for the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction is “non-negotiable,” amid tensions and maritime disputes in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We have many bilateral channels of communication and areas of cooperation. But in all of these, respect for our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction is, and has always been and will always be, non-negotiable,” Marcos said during the inaugural Manila Strategy Forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies at the Solaire Resort and Hotel in Parañaque City.
Marcos said the “most significant threat” to peace and stability is “right here in our own neighborhood, here in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“And this is not just an opinion. It is a fact. We in the Philippines can say this with certainty, because we face the threat every single day,” he said.
Marcos expressed dismay over the continued harassment of Philippine vessels and fisherfolk by foreign intruders within the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Despite the challenges, Marcos expressed his gratitude to foreign partners and allies, including the United States, for their continued support in advancing the country’s maritime domain awareness and strengthening maritime security initiatives.
“Our government vessels and fisherfolk continue to be harassed in our own waters, and we remain on the receiving end of illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous actions in the South China Sea,” Marcos said.
Marcos affirmed that his administration would continue to safeguard the country’s territory, particularly the West Philippine Sea.
As the country observes the Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANAMo) in September, Marcos emphasized that the protection of the Philippines’ marine resources and heritage is “underpinned by a strict adherence to the rule of law.” (PNA)
