Professors from Political Science and International Studies departments of the De La Salle University (DLSU) condemned the Chinese government's continued presence in the West Philippines Sea.
In a statement released on April 26, DLSU educators slammed the continuous acts of aggression and intrusions of China into the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.
"These incursions have continued since the 1990s and must stop, in accordance with the 2016 Hague ruling. The acts of the Chinese government jeopardize the welfare of our fisherfolk and the sustainability of aquatic resources in the area. Ultimately, it causes tension in the area given the increased militarization," the statement read.
Both departments also expressed dismay over the failure of the Philippine government to "effectively secure the sovereignty of the country."
The professors - 21 from political science and 11 from international studies - urged President Duterte to "disabuse himself from the simplistic notion that the only other option is to antagonize China and risk war" and to strengthen the country's maritime security capacity instead.
Further, they also asked the Philippine government to explore multilateral solutions.
"We-reassert that appeasement emboldens the aggressor, peace without dignity is subjugation, and asserting our rights is not a declaration of war. We must stand against those who think that might is right. It is high time that our government values our nation's patrimony," the professors underscored.
Over 200 Chinese militia vessels have been spotted mooring the Julian Felipe Reef by Philippine sovereignty patrols. There were also two People's Liberation Army Navy vessels seen in Bajo de Masinloc.
Julian Felipe Reef, also known as the Whitsun, located some 175 nautical miles east of Bataraza, Palawan.
The Chinese Embassy has denied the presence of militia vessels in the area, adding that some Chinese fishing vessels only took shelter near the reef "due to rough sea conditions."
However, the Embassy maintained China's historical claim over the area - a claim that the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated in 2016.