A national security expert believes President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is “inviting trouble” for his pronouncement that the Philippines will carry out a response and countermeasure to China’s aggressive attack in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“That statement is inviting trouble rather than peacefully resolve disputes through a negotiated political settlement,” national security expert Rommel Banlaoi said in a message to DZRH News on Thursday, March 28.

He stressed the importance of diplomacy as a response to the maritime concern. “We need to bring diplomacy back on the table to de-escalate the situation.”

In September last year, Banlaoi had also advised the Chief Executive to be "cautious and moderate" in issuing “hardline statements” against China about the tension in the WPS, warning him that this could result in "violent encounters."

In a statement, Marcos said the Philippines will implement countermeasures to what he called "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks" by the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia in Ayungin Shoal last March 23.

The President, however, did not specify details about the countermeasures that are set to be implemented “over the succeeding weeks.”

“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield,” he underscored.