The President’s statement that incursions in the Philippine Rise would trigger war is not directed at China. China has already recognized that we have sovereign rights over the area. The President is firm in his stance that any country that wishes to conduct research or any other study in the Philippine Rise would first need to secure the approval of the Philippine government through the National Security Adviser.

Also, the President referred to some corrupt policemen in the NCRPO or Metro Manila in general, rather than Manila Police District (MPD) police, as was reported.