MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that the country is now more capable of defending itself and its “sovereign territory” in the West Philippine Sea.
The President asserted this amid the string of aggression by Chinese vessels against the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“Nag i-increase ang ating capability para makapag-defend sa maritime, sovereign territory ng Pilipinas, so we are continuing with the upgrading of the equipment, the training, and the capabilities of all our people, especially the Coast Guard,” said Marcos in an ambush interview in the Port Manila.
(We are increasing our capability to defend the maritime, sovereign territory of the Philippines, so we are continuing with the upgrading of the equipment, the training, and the capabilities of all our people, especially the Coast Guard.)
Marcos said this during the 122nd anniversary of the PCG, where he vowed that the government will continue to support the agency in its endeavor to protect Philippine sovereignty.
The President said that the PCG remains on the frontlines of the tension in the West Philippine Sea, hence the need for continued support.
“Not only because we are on the frontlines and the problems now we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, but also because of the very important function they play when it comes to search and rescue, maritime incidents, even disaster assistance,” said Marcos.
The anniversary ceremony was attended by different foreign envoys, including United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.
“The Philippines is lucky we have many friends around the world,” said Marcos.
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