The armed forces of the Philippines will always be resolute in ensuring the interest of Filipinos in the West Philippine Sea, under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision laid out in his speech during the alumni homecoming at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City on Saturday.
Also, the AFP asked Filipinos for their "support and prayers for the Armed Forces, and the Philippine Coast Guard in the conduct of maritime patrols to protect and preserve what rightfully belongs to us," the statement added. Marcos' comments came days after the Philippines lodged a diplomatic protest over China Coast Guard's use of military-grade laser, and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Malapascua on February 3, while on a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal.
"The laser-pointing incident was only a part of what we are seeing as intensifying or escalating of the actions of the militia --- marine militia of China, the coast guard of China, and the navy of China,” Marcos said.