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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DFA's Day of Valor vow amid sea tension: Never shall invaders trample our sacred shore

DFA's Day of Valor vow amid sea tension: Never shall invaders trample our sacred shore

Published Apr 10, 2021 10:28 am

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) renewed its commitment to not back down from elements trying to trample on the country's sovereignty as the Philippines marked the 79th Day of Valor on April 9.

MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO

In a tweet on Friday evening, the DFA posted a photo for the commemoration, quoting a line from the National Anthem "Lupang Hinirang" and adding its own vow at the end.

"Sa manlulupig 'di ka pasisiil (Never shall invaders trample our sacred shore)," the DFA's art card read.

"Mula sa Mactan at sa Bataan, hanggang sa ating mga karagatan (From Mactan to Bataan, to our seas)," it furthered.

The social media art card was accompanied by the caption "Patuloy na maninindigan (We will continue to defend)."

The tension in the West Philippine Sea continued to grow after a vessel carrying a news team of ABS-CBN across various reefs and shoals in the disputed waters close to Palawan was chased by two missile attack craft deployed by the Chinese Navy on Thursday.

The Department of National Defense (DND) has directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to investigate, gather, and validate all the relevant facts on the incident. The AFP has likewise expressed concern over the report but asked journalists to "exercise prudence" in the conduct of their job.

Vice President Leni Robredo has expressed frustration over the incident but said the stand of the DND and the DFA was a source of comfort for many. The DFA said it was checking the matter with the National Task Force-West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS).

"Nakakagalit, nakakadurog ng puso na nangyayari yun (It's infuriating and heartbreaking that it happened) within our territory," Robredo said.

Malacañang, on the other hand, was mum on the issue and deferred to the statements of the DND and the DFA.

Before confirming that he has caught COVID-19, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had been engaging in a word war with the Chinese Embassy in Manila over the incursion of suspected Chinese militia vessels in the disputed waters, particularly at the Julian Felipe Reef. Lorenzana wanted the ships gone while China insisted that the said area was part of their territory.

On Wednesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the DFA filed another diplomatic protest against China and vowed to do so every day until the last vessel is gone. 

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