The Philippines will not be swayed by China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday as he pledged to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and interests.

At a press conference in the Palace, President Marcos said the country’s policy will remain unchanged despite China’s numerical advantage in naval assets deployed in the West Philippine Sea.

The President addressed questions regarding the prolonged presence of a Chinese “monster ship” in the area for over a month.

The President stressed that Philippine vessels will continue patrolling the area despite China’s harassment.

“Ano bang mission ng Coast Guard? Ano bang mission ng Navy? To protect the territorial integrity of the Philippines. So, that’s what they do. They will continue to do that no matter what any other foreign power does.”

The President said that Philippine vessels will continue to patrol despite harassment from China.

“We will always be there making sure our fishermen are able to exercise their sovereign rights,” he also said.

If a foreign vessel begins to intrude or come close to Philippine coastal waters, Philippine vessels will be challenged and reminded that what they are doing is illegal, he added. | PND