President Marcos said that while the Philippines remains committed to peace, its peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence or simply accepting the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

Marcos said this as he met the troops who clashed with the China Coast Guard during their rotation and resupply (RORE) mission to the Ayungin Shoal on June 17, wherein a soldier lost his thumb.

In his speech, the President reiterated that the Philippines will not use violence in defending its territory. However, he said this did not mean the country conceded its rights.

"In the performance of our duties, we will not resort to the use of force or intimidation, or deliberately inflict injury or harm to anyone. But at the same time, we stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence," he said on Sunday, June 23.

"Kailanman ay hindi tayo magpapasupil at magpapa-api kahit na kanino man (We will never let ourselves be repressed or bullied by anybody)," he added.

Despite this, Marcos said the Philippines, as a responsible state, still prefers to resolve issues peacefully.

"The Philippines is a responsible state. We will continue to exercise our freedoms and rights in support of our national interest, in accordance with international law," he said.

"And that is why, in defending the nation, we stay true to our Filipino nature that we would like to settle all these issues peacefully," he added.

President Marcos also said that the Philippines avoids escalating tensions as it does not want to invite harm or danger to Filipinos.

"We are not in the business of instigating wars—our great ambition is to provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino," he said.

"This is the drum beat, this is the principle that we live by and that we march by," he added.