President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphatically denied the existence of any arrangement or agreement concerning the withdrawal of the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal, asserting that if it exists at all he rescinds it.
In a video message released by the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos stated, “I’m not aware of any such arrangement or agreement that the Philippines will remove from its own territory its own ship, in this case, the BRP Sierra Madre from the Ayungin Shoal. And let me go further, if there does exist such an agreement, I rescind that agreement as of now.”
The President’s statement comes as tensions escalate following a brazen water cannon attack by the Chinese Coast Guard on Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
China had previously claimed that the Philippines had agreed to withdraw the BRP Sierra Madre on multiple occasions but failed to specify the source of these alleged commitments. Both Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs swiftly refuted China’s claims.
President Marcos Jr. reiterated his commitment to asserting the country’s sovereignty and territorial rights, particularly in light of the international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos). In response to the recent water cannon attack, he announced the sending of another note verbale to China, underlining the Philippines’ determination to uphold its rights in the face of challenges.
The water cannon incident drew condemnation not only from Philippine government officials but also from international allies, including the United States and Japan. The global community has voiced its support for the Philippines in safeguarding its territorial integrity and maritime rights amidst heightened tensions in contested waters.
Discussion about this post