President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated his policy that the Philippines does not start hostilities in the West Philippine Sea but stands ready to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the last part of the BBM Podcast Episode 2 aired on Saturday, the President maintained that the Philippines makes sure to protect Filipino fishermen from harassment within the country’s waters.

“Hindi naman tayo nakikipag-away. Pero huwag niyong binabangga ‘yung mga mangingisda, hindi ba? Huwag niyo kaming hinaharang dun sa teritoryo namin. Iyon ipaglalaban talaga namin ‘yan,” President Marcos said.

“Because kung ibigay mo ‘yan, like they say: You give them an inch, they will take a mile.’ So you cannot allow it even the one inch,” the President stressed.

President Marcos said history will show that under his administration, the Philippines defended and protected its territory in the West Philippine Sea.

“We did not yield. We continue to protect the sovereignty of the Republic. We continue to defend the territory of the Republic. And we continue to protect and defend the people of the Republic,” the Chief Executive stressed.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other government agencies have reported several cases of Chinese vessels harassing Filipino vessels within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela reported that on Friday morning, China Coast Guard vessels harassed and used water cannon on vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to obstruct efforts to provide support and subsidies to Filipino fishermen at Panatag Shoal off Zambales.

Also called Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, Panatag Shoal is located well within the Philippines’ EEZ.

The BFAR vessels avoided significant damage and continued their mission to protect the rights and provide support to the local fishermen, according to the PCG. | PND