Youth members of different organizations called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to defend the country’s sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as they gathered at Tomas Morato Circle in Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City on Monday, Aug. 29.
“On National Heroes Day, we, the youth, affirm our stance to defend the West Philippine Sea. Living up to the legacy of the heroes that came before us, who stood up against foreign aggressors to defend our sovereignty and right to self-determination, the youth will continue to push back against China in their encroachment of our seas and defend our people’s right to live and make a living in the Philippines,” the West Philippine Sea Ccoalition said in a statement.
“We challenge Mr. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to live up to his promise in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) of giving up “not an inch” of our territory against China and take a resolute stance on the matter in the upcoming UN General Assembly,” it added
“The youth will continue to be vigilant and work with our youth counterparts from the different countries affected by China’s aggression,” the group said.
The groups held signs that were shaped like shields which say “West PH Sea Defender'', “Honor our Heroes. Defend the West Philippine Sea!”
Benj Alvero, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggawa (SENTRO) Youth campaign officer, told Manila Bulletin that President Marcos Jr. should use the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) Arbitral Award/Ruling in 2016 and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that affirmed the country’s sovereign rights in the area when engaging matters with China.
Meanwhile, Akbayan Youth Secretary General Justine Balane said that they are appealing to the President to present concrete plans in defending the sea to stop China actions including the establishment of different infrastructures on the islands, and the fishing ban which affects the fisherfolk in doing their livelihood.
During his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, Marcos Jr. said that he will not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of the country’s territory to any foreign power.
He said that the Philippines will remain friends and open to other countries but will stand firm on its independent foreign policy.
According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the coalition’s program started at around 9:15 a.m. and ended at exactly 9:41 without untoward incidents.
The West Philippine Sea Coalition was formed by Filipino organizations to defend the country’s sovereignty in the WPS against China’s territorial expansionism, according to its Facebook page.