The Philippines will continue to exercise its freedom and rights in accordance with international law amidst conflict with China over the West Philippine Sea, said President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Sunday morning, June 23.
In his Talk to Troops at Western Command (Wescom) Headquarters, President Marcos said the Philippines is a responsible state and will settle issues peacefully in defending the nation.
The country will also not resort to the use of force, intimidation, or deliberate infliction to inflict injury or harm on anyone, he added.
“We stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence,” the President said.
Part of Pres. Marcos’ visit is to recognize and award the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who have joined the rotation and resupply mission at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
About 80 members of the AFP, along with their families, received Order of Lapu-Lapu Kamagi medals in recognition of their service.
Pres. Marcos was joined by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jr., and Chief Master Sergeant Rhoel Graganza, who is the Command Sergeant Major of Wescom.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given by the President to recognize the invaluable service rendered by officials and personnel of the government. It is also given to private individuals for significantly advancing a campaign or advocacy of the president, particularly acts of valor and kindness described as extraordinary acts of service and exceptional contributions to the country.
The awardees include Seaman First Class Underwater Jeffrey Facundo, who had been injured after the China Coast Guard rammed a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in an attempt to disrupt the resupply’s mission to Ayungin Shoal on June 17.
In an online post, AFP said CCG employed physical attacks, bladed weapons, blaring sirens, and blinding strobe lights to obstruct their operations.
Despite the situation, he lauded the troop for exercising “greatest restraint amidst intense provocation.”
“We are not in the business to instigate wars. We refuse to play by the rules that force us to choose sides in a great power competition. No government that truly exists in the service of the people would invite danger or harm to lives and livelihood,” he said.
The government also assured soldiers that it would continue to provide for all their needs and ensure their welfare, as well as that of their families.
The caretaker of the First and Third Congressional Districts of Palawan, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, also extended support to the awardees and their families, which was represented by his officer-in-charge for legislative caretakership, Karl Legazpi. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
