President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reiterated that the Philippines will not deploy Navy warships to the West Philippine Sea (WPS), despite the recent harassment from China.
During an ambush interview on Tuesday, President Marcos explained that the country is not at war, making the deployment of Navy warships unnecessary. He emphasized that the country remains committed to conducting resupply missions, safeguarding its territorial rights, and pursuing peaceful resolutions to disputes.
“Again, it (sending of warships) will be provocative and will be seen as an escalation. We don’t do that. The Philippines does not escalate tensions. Quite the opposite, the Philippines always tries to bring down the level of tension,” said Marcos.
He stated that the government will continue fulfilling its duties while avoiding any actions that could escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea.
The President noted that the Philippines has never been actively involved in heightening tensions in the region.
On November 30, Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea encountered Chinese Navy helicopters hovering overhead, leading the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deploy BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape Engaño.
Another harassment incident occurred on December 4 when the China Coast Guard (CCG) water-cannoned a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel helping Filipino fishermen in the WPS during a routine patrol by the PCG near Bajo de Masinloc.
