Written by 
THERE is no need for the deployment of a Navy warship in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the recent harassment being conducted by China against Philippine vessels, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
In an interview, Marcos maintained that the country will continue to advocate for peaceful resolutions amid the disputes in the WPS.
He also reiterated that the resupply mission and efforts to protect the country’s territorial rights in the WPS will continue despite the harsh actions of China.
“Again, it (sending of warships) will be provocative and will be seen as an escalation. We don’t do that. The Philippines does not escalate tensions. Quite the opposite, the Philippines always tries to bring down the level of tension,” he added.
On November 28, A Chinese People’s Army Navy helicopter hovered over Filipino fishermen fishing in the Rozul Reef, which is within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Two Philippine Coast Guard vessels were deployed to ensure the safety and security of Filipino fishermen exercising their right to fish freely in reefs but they were also shadowed by two Chinese Coast Guard ships upon their arrival in the area.
On December 4, the China Coast Guard water cannoned a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel trying to help out Filipino fishermen in WPS.
The Philippine government filed another diplomatic protest stemming from the recent incidents. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)