"Filipinos do not yield."
In the coming weeks, the Philippines will implement a reasonable "response and countermeasure package" over the dangerous attacks made by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia in the West Philippine Sea.
President Marcos made the statement, breaking his silence over the firing of water cannon by China Coast Guard to a Philippine vessel which was conducting a resupply mission to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal.
"Over the succeeding weeks there shall be, implemented by the relevant national government agencies and instrumentalities, a response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia," Marcos said on Thursday, March 28.
While the President stressed that " Filipinos do not yield," the country seeks "no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience."
Marcos disclosed that he has made a series of discussions and consultations with the country's National Security and Defense leadership, and has been in communication with international allies.
"Over the course of these past days, I have met with and spoken to our country’s National Security and Defense leadership. They have made their considered recommendations and, through exhaustive consultations, I have given them my directives," he stated.
"I have also been in constant communication with representatives of relevant allies, partners, and friends in the international community," he added.
The Chief Executive further said that they have offered to help the country as far as protecting its sovereignty and jurisdiction is concerned while ensuring peace in the region.
"They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our Sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Marcos said.
"I have given them our requirements and we have been assured that they will be addressed," he added.
Following the sea incident last March 23, 21 countries have expressed support to the Philippines in upholding international order based on international law.
These were Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, European Union, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States.
READ MORE: 21 countries back Philippines over China's use of water cannon in Ayungin Shoal—DFA