Phl won't instigate war in WPS – BBM

The Philippines is not in the business of waging war and does not seek to deliberately harm anyone, but its peaceful stance should not be viewed as a submission to foreign powers, President Marcos said yesterday.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

In his first remarks on the June 17 incident, which saw the China Coast Guard (CCG) attacking a Philippine resupply mission bound for Ayungin Shoal, Marcos said history would show that Filipinos have never yielded to any foreign power, and they owe it to their forefathers to keep the freedoms they "fought, bled and died for."

But he maintained that the Philippines is a "responsible state" and would continue to exercise its freedoms and rights in support of its national interest, in accordance with international law.

"We are not in the business to instigate wars our ambition is to provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino. This is the drum beat, this is the principle we live by and that we march by," Marcos told members of the Palawan-based Armed Forces Western Command (WESCOM), the military unit that secures the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"We refuse to play by the rules that force us to choose sides in a great power competition. No government that truly exists in the service of the people will invite danger or harm to lives and livelihood," he added.

While some sectors regard the June 17 incident as an armed attack, Marcos reiterated that Filipinos would stay true to their nature and would settle all issues peacefully. However, he stressed that the Philippines would never allow itself to be suppressed or oppressed by anyone.

"And 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," Marcos, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said. "But at the same time, we stand firm. Our calm and peaceful disposition should not be mistaken for acquiescence." At least eight Philippine Navy sailors were hurt when the CCG rammed into a Filipino vessel tasked to deliver supplies to soldiers stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated, grounded ship that serves as a military installation in Ayungin Shoal.